Mother of LA Lakers forward Michael Beasley dies of cancer

Fatima Smith, the mother of Los Angeles Lakers forward Michael Beasley, died Sunday. She had been battling cancer.

Beasley, whom the Lakers signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract this offseason, has been away from the team for 13 games overall this season to take care of Smith. A native of Frederick, Md., Beasley took his mother to the Lakers' game against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 16. A Lakers spokesperson said at the time that Smith wanted to see the team play.

Lakers coach Luke Walton told the team about Smith's death before Sunday's home game against the Memphis Grizzlies, saying, "I just wanted to send our love, our thoughts and our prayers to Michael Beasley and his family. They're going through a tough time. But we're thinking of you, we miss you and we love you."

There was no immediate word on services for Smith or how soon Beasley might rejoin the team. In 10 games, he averaged 4.4 points and was shooting 51.4 percent from the field.