Lakers Make Final Decision On Russell Westbrook Future After Patrick Beverley Trade

Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley don’t have the best relationship in this world. In fact, their rivalry is pretty strong. These two got involved in altercations over the years. Beverley teased Westbrook over and over again.

Their rivalry started in 2013. Westbrook was playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder back then and Beverley was part of the Houston Rockets.

“Beverley’s arrival makes it more likely that Westbrook will be off the active roster by the start of training camp, either through a trade or the team sending him home a la the Rockets with John Wall last season, according to a source close to the situation,” Buha reported.

Russell Westbrook may share the floor with Patrick Beverley despite their rivalry

In a 2013 game, Westbrook dribbled the ball towards the bench and Beverley rushed for a steak. Westbrook sustained a meniscus tear and had to undergo several knee surgeries. In a 2019 game, Westbrook’s Rockets went against Beverley’s Clippers. Houston won the game and Russ used the opportunity to say that Beverley’s defense was a big zero.

“Pat Bev trick y’all, man, like he playing defense,” Westbrook said. “He don’t guard nobody, man. He just running around, doing nothing.”

Beverley seems to be really happy for the chance he was given. He will share the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Pelinka is signing an experienced player.

“We are thrilled to add Patrick Beverley’s toughness and competitive spirit to our team,” Pelinka said on August 25. “We’re confident that Patrick’s ‘3-and-D’ style will fit in nicely with the other pieces of our roster, and align perfectly with Coach Ham’s philosophy of hard work and smart play.”

Beverley won’t solve each and every problem on the Lakers roster, but he sure adds great depth to the defense. In the 2021-22 NBA season, Beverley saw action in 58 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while going 40.6% from the field, 34.3% from beyond the arc, and 72.2% from the free-throw line.