The LA teams have made some headlines during the off-season, albeit for different reasons. While the Lakers have been popular for buying players, the Clippers sold their longest-tenure player.
The latte said their goodbyes to Patrick Beverley as they sent him to Memphis. He joined the Clippers in 2017, and had played with them until last season. And, recent reports say that LeBron James would be open to bringing him back to LA, but to the Lakers this time.
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Beverley to the Lakers?
Beverley currently stands as a Memphis Grizzlies player. However, if the Grizzlies buy him out, other teams could look to pursue him. One of the teams that have come out are his arch-rivals, Lakers.
Patrick has always been a Clipper. Hence, there have been instances where he has had issues with the Lakers during games, especially with LeBron James. Beverley has openly critiqued him a couple of times, saying that guarding LeBron is not challenging.
UPDATE: LeBron James would welcome Pat Beverley if he secured a buyout with Timberwolves I’m hearing.
IF is the key word.
Defense would be at a premium for Lakers.
CC: @TheRyanHollins @bwood_33 https://t.co/NH6GMoi6CC
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson 📍 (@ScoopB) August 19, 2021
Despite the comments, James may be open to bringing in Beverley. However, the biggest factor remains that he needs to secure a buyout with the Grizzles. However, if the move does happen, Patrick can be a big help to the Lakers.
Beverley is fearless and does not step down to any challenge. Moreover, he is a great defensive player who is always in his opponents’ faces. His on court-antics add to his fearless character, as he is not afraid to call out other players. Beverley is also a great shooter, which fits right in for the Lakers.
However, he has a bigger rival than LeBron in the Lakers.
Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook
The Lakers’ biggest signing in the off-season would be Russell Westbrook. They acquired him in a blockbuster trade on draft day from Washington. With reports that Lakers will be open to signing Beverley, would that sit well with Brodie?
Westbrook and Beverley go way back to the time when Russ played for Oklahoma. They both have publically disrespected each other and have never seen eye to eye. Even when Westbrook was in Houston, the disrespect did not stop.
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When Russ missed a game-winning shot against the Clippers, Beverley stepped right on his foot. He went on to mock Westbrook and they kept jawing at each other until the final whistle. However, that may be on account of them being fierce competitors.
Both of them hate losing and, thus, emotions come out in certain places. But, if they do play together, they can put aside their beef and work towards the same objective. Having two competitors like them is a huge boost for any team.
Do you think Beverley to the Lakers is possible? Let us know in the comments below.
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