The true cringeworthy second of Patrick Beverley’s introductory press convention with the Lakers on Tuesday had nothing to do with Russell Westbrook.
When requested how he feels about having the chance to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Beverley took a slight jab at his new crew and hashed up their atrocious 2021-22 marketing campaign.
“They are going to be taking part in with me,” Beverley mentioned. “I made the playoffs final yr, they didn’t. It’s a distinction.”
Beverley and the Timberwolves have been eradicated by the Grizzlies in Recreation 6 of their first-round playoff collection in April. It marked the primary time Minnesota reached the postseason since 2018, and the defensive-minded guard performed an integral position in that pursuit.
The 33-49 Lakers didn't make the playoffs final season with a veteran roster that by no means jelled. Los Angeles additionally handled quite a few accidents that stored their Large Three of James, Davis and Westbrook restricted to 21 video games collectively.
With the common season six weeks away, Beverley mentioned that he’s been speaking with James and Davis.
“I’m glad that we get an opportunity to play with one another than anything,” he mentioned. “I’m excited to see it go. I’m excited to get the battling going.”
Beverley’s introductory press convention with the Lakers had some keen to listen to what he would say about taking part in alongside Westbrook.
The guards have a historical past of unhealthy blood stretching again to the 2013 playoffs, when Beverley dove into Westbrook’s knee whereas the latter was calling a timeout, injuring the then-Thunder star. Most just lately, Beverley trolled Westbrook in a Lakers-Timberwolves sport in March, when he held his nostril and yelled, “He’s trash,” on the Lakers’ bench.
Nonetheless, Beverley had nothing however optimistic issues to say when requested about his match with Westbrook on Tuesday. Westbrook attended the press convention and the 2 exchanged a pleasant greeting.
“Tremendous excited,” Beverley mentioned. “… I used to be requested this query two, three years in the past, [about] somebody I at all times needed to play with and [Westbrook] was the primary title. I've [known] Bron since I used to be a child, a rookie on this league, so clearly I wish to play with him.
“However a participant with that aggressive spirit, that fireside, that may, that canine, that nastiness, that grit, to have a operating mate like that, I've by no means had that. So I'm tremendous excited to see the place it goes.”
Beverley added that he’s “excited to have powerful conversations” with Westbrook because the pair be part of forces within the Lakers’ backcourt.
“Clearly like every relationship or any marriage, issues, we're going to have powerful conversations,” Beverley mentioned. “That's what comes with successful, however I'm enthusiastic about these conversations, I'm excited in regards to the practices. I'm simply excited to have the ability to compete with somebody like that.”
Beverley, who was drafted by the Lakers within the second spherical in 2009 however by no means performed for Los Angeles earlier than being dealt, averaged 9.2 factors, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 58 video games with the Timberwolves final season.
With the acquisition of Beverley, the Lakers have gained a swift level guard and much-needed defensive power after Los Angeles ranked twenty first in protection final season.
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