Patrick Beverley is expected to bring some much-needed toughness to the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
After a year that saw L.A. fail to make the playoffs at the same time Beverley was leading an inexperienced Minnesota Timberwolves group to the postseason, many have been excited to see what he can offer in 2022-23.
The only potential roadblock anyone could conceive of as far as Beverley being a Laker is his relationship with Russell Westbrook.
They have a very interesting history together filled with some notable highs and lows.
That’s what made Beverley’s 6-word response to joining the Lakers all the more interesting. And it’s also what made Beverley’s comments about Westbrook on Monday stand out.
According to ESPN NBA insider Dave McMenamin, Beverley said that Westbrook is presently his best friend on the Lakers. Apparently both men come in before 7:00 a.m. to train together.
McMenamin is known for two things: his very famous girlfriend and being the ultimate Lakers insider. So if he’s saying this – you know it’s true.
If Beverley and Westbrook are truly on the same page, this could be huge for the Lakers. Both men bring something unique to the table. Each fills voids the other cannot.
Westbrook has signaled all week that he has changed his perspective a bit from last season. His comments regarding coming off the bench in 2022-23 speak for themselves.
If he and Beverley are truly committed to having a good relationship and doing whatever the Lakers need them to do in order to succeed – L.A. could really turn things around next season.
Their fatal flaws in 2021-22 were injuries and an inability to get guys to play the roles that they should be playing.
Just give the Dolphins that Super Bowl trophy now. #FinsNation #FinsUphttps://t.co/rs2of2JHGT
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 26, 2022
At the moment at least, it’s looking like everyone wants to change that this year.
Will the Lakers be able to bounce back and restore some semblance of respectability to a once proud franchise? Time will tell.
But if Beverley’s comments are any indication – they’re off to a good start.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
