The city of Los Angeles finally had its King back out on the floor. After missing 13 straight games, LeBron James made his return. The new-looking Los Angeles Lakers had made a statement winning 7 out of the last 10 games without James. With the 38-year-old back, fans came expecting the Purple and Gold to shine in their battle against the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately for the Lakers fanbase, the man who stole the spotlight would be a former Laker. And Patrick Beverley made his presence known.
The former All-Defensive guard began this season with the Lakers. However, his roster fit came under question as he was asked to play beside long-time rival Russell Westbrook, bringing the much-needed ferocity on defense. What unfolded was something no one could foretell. Beverley didn’t disappoint as he brought energy to the floor every night. That’s the exact reason why fans were baffled when he requested a trade from LA.
As a free agent up for grabs, Beverley took a ticket back home. Joining the Chicago Bulls he was determined to give it his all for his hometown. However, there was also vengeance on his mind. While speaking on his podcast, he openly revealed his plans of spoiling the Lakers’ chase for the postseason. After last night, Beverley surely managed to make a dent in the journey. And he did so with noise.
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Patrick Beverley hands LeBron James the defeat on his Lakers return
The Chicago Bulls spoiled James’ return as they demolished the Los Angeles Lakers. Crypto.com arena could only watch as the Windy City’s offense pounced on the Purple and Gold. Despite losing out on Nikola Vucevic early in the ball game, Chicago never lost its fire. Leading the way was high flyer Zach LaVine who cruised to a 32-point night. However, the Lakers had their moments.
Despite trailing in double digits for nearly the entirety of the game, a comeback seemed to always linger. In the fourth quarter, the Lakers switched gears cutting the lead to just 10. However, the menace that is Patrick Beverley came out to hit the dagger, doing so over LeBron James. The loud star brought out his complete set of antics taunting a 6’8″ LeBron James with the ‘too small’ celebration. With Shannon Sharpe in attendance, Pat Bev had to do something. So he gestured to the NFL legend about how his team stinks.
His ex-teammates might not have liked Beverley’s behavior, but that wasn’t the case with NBA fans. They came in expecting fire, and the former Lakers delivered on his promise. House of Highlight’s Instagram shared the viral moment as fans reacted to Beverley’s revenge game.
“He waited his entire career for that moment”
“I really enjoy how petty he is.”
“THATS MY GOAT THE PAT BEV EFFECT IS REAL”
“Can?t wait for the next P Bev podcast”
It was a picture-perfect return for Beverley who had issued his challenge out in the open. Not only did live up to his words, but the 34-year-old hit the final nail with his own hands. Fans adored his fiery competitive spirit and even claimed Beverley was better than LeBron James. They said:
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“Pat bev> LeBron”
“Patrick Beverly is LeBrons father.”
“lakers can?t fw pat bev man !!”
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Watch this story-??All the father-son duos LeBron James has played against in the NBA?
The Lakers are in a tight race to be among the top 10 in the West. With such cutthroat competition, even a single loss could spell doom. At his point, the Purple and Gold need to regroup and focus on playing with LeBron James heading the system.