Patrick Beverley Delivers Strong Statement On Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Patrick Beverley and many believe that this move may force Russell Westbrook out of LA. Why did Rob Pelinka make this move? The rivalry between Russ and Beverley is well documented.

It seems like Beverley is ready to make things work. Four-time NBA champion LeBron James tweeted about Westbrook’s big role with the team, predicting a great season. Guess what… Beverley shares the same opinion.

Same it’s on? https://t.co/jR5ZFaMYMV

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) August 25, 2022

The Lakers were actively looking for trade partners, but couldn’t find any. Westbrook is a Laker right now and he has a good relationship with Darvin Ham. This doesn’t change the fact that he may not put on a purple and gold jersey next season. Jovan Buha from The Athletic discussed this possibility.

“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 [Houston] Rockets with John Wall last season, according to a source close to the situation.”

Patrick Beverley works well in the current team, joining LBJ, AD, and Russell Westbrook

The Lakers were linked to Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and many others. This trade for Beverley came like a shock to many fans. Well, analysts justify the move, saying that Beverley will add a much-needed boost to the defense. He may have a thing with Lakers players, but he sure looks good on the defensive end of the ball.

“All told, Beverley is precisely the kind of role player you want surrounding Davis and James, and at a reasonable price ($13 million on a one-year extension signed in Minnesota). Swapping Beverley for Horton-Tucker and Johnson will add modestly to the Lakers’ payroll. Assuming the Lakers fill the open roster spot with a player making the veteran minimum, they’ll increase their team salary by about $2 million and their luxury-tax bill by $7 million. That’s the kind of investment necessary to give their stars a credible supporting cast, particularly in the wake of LeBron’s decision to commit to the Lakers beyond this season with a contract extension struck last week.”