Patrick Beverley is returning to Los Angeles, this time as a Laker. Unfortunately, it cost the Lakers a couple of young players in Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson, but this move might help them in the long run. When looking at this move on paper, it’s definitely controversial. Because Beverley is known for being a chaotic player in order to get under the skin of his opponents. He’s been known for on-the-court beefs, especially with his now-current teammate, Russell Westbrook. However, he just might be the “glue piece” that the Lakers have been looking for. A veteran leader who can rally the troops when the going gets rough. Because it was obvious that the Lakers lacked effort down the stretch of last season.
During the course of the offseason, Beverely broke the internet for some of his hot takes. One of his claims included him saying that the Lakers would make the Western Conference Finals if he was on the roster. He backed this statement by saying that the Lakers lacked leadership and that LeBron James can only do so much. He said that Rondo was that leader for them when they won the championship in 2020. Beverley does have a point. Because one of the issues that the Lakers had was that they got “too greedy.” Instead of keeping their championship roster intact, they decided to flip some of their solid pieces for aging “big name” players. An example that comes to mind was when they traded away JaVale McGee for a washed-up Marc Gasol. They took their leaders, like Rajon Rondo, for granted. Which is why they haven’t been the same since.
How Can Patrick Beverley Truly Help?
While his defense is overhyped and a bit of a gimmick, Beverley can certainly be that vocal leader. He can fill the shoes of Rondo and help push the Lakers back into the playoffs. When the Minnesota Timberwolves made the playoffs this past season, it was Beverley who had a major impact on the young players. He can have that same impact on a Lakers team with a bunch of younger players. Not only that, but maybe he can push Anthony Davis and Westbrook a little bit. So, that way, they both can bounce back this year. It seems as though Beverly has moved past his previous interactions with Westbrook and is excited to see him “go off” this year. Beverly got his wish; now, let’s see if he can capitalize
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