Lakers' Beasley sits on bench after attending game with ailing mother

The Los Angeles Lakers were more than happy to see Michael Beasley on the bench to start the second half against the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, as the 29-year-old had been away from the team since Dec. 8 to spend time with his ailing mother.

Beasley caught the first half in a suite at Capital One Arena with his mother, Fatima Smith, who convinced her son to attend so she could watch the Lakers live.

"It was very good to see Michael," said head coach Luke Walton following his team's 128-110 defeat, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Besides watching the game we played, turning around and seeing him on the bench was a nice moment."

LeBron James is unaware of when exactly his teammate will return to action, but noted that Beasley has his full support and that of the rest of the roster.

"As a family we all basically told him to take as much time as he needs," James said. "He's a professional and we're all his brothers and whatever he needs we all support that."

Beasley has missed 10 games in 2018-19, including Sunday's contest, because of personal reasons. He signed a one-year, $3.5-million contract with the Lakers over the offseason and is averaging 4.4 points in 10 appearances.