How will Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley turn from foes to teammates?
On-court scuffles lead to off-court messaging.
Ironically, Beverley missed most of his first season with the Clippers due to a right meniscus injury, prolonging the interlude before their next meeting. The Thunder and Clippers met in October 2018 when Westbrook first saw Beverley with his new team. Westbrook scored a bucket on Beverley and proceeded to celebrate with the motion of rocking a baby. Beverley then returned the favor and celebrated the same way after scoring one of his own.
In the fourth quarter, Beverley once again dove towards Westbrook’s knee, and teammates stepped in between as a war of words began. A livid Westbrook continued to yell at the Clippers’ bench to the point where police officers stepped on the court to make sure that the situation did not escalate. Westbrook got the last laugh that evening as the Thunder were victorious on their home floor.
After the game, Beverley claimed no foul play by telling the media, “I went for a loose ball.” Westbrook later told the press, “it’s what you gotta do with little babies, put them to sleep” in regards to his celebration during the game. The battles would continue on the court, during interviews, and on social media. As Westbrook refuses to acknowledge Beverley’s defense, Beverley jumps on every chance to antagonize Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook (@russwest44)on Pat Beverley (@patbev21): “Pat Bev trick y’all man, like he play defense. He don’t guard nobody man. He just running around doing nothing..As you seen what happened 47. All that commotion and (@jharden) got 47.” pic.twitter.com/WaJ5D0Q1U5
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) November 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/patbev21/status/1491796902223876098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1491796902223876098%7Ctwgr%5E47263f3adf3975a910f22cd6134b825b86d1816e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportingnews.com%2Fus%2Fnba%2Fnews%2Frussell-westbrook-patrick-beverley-lakers%2Ftgo3scjryjmkpahstyrdn0ao
So what happens now that Westbrook and Beverley are both Lakers?
As of today, Westbrook and Beverley belong on the same roster. How the Lakers will handle the situation at hand is something fans are waiting to see. Some speculations of the Lakers’ trading Westbrook have surfaced. However, others believe that the Lakers brought Beverley on board to bring the best out of Westbrook.
Same it’s on🦍 https://t.co/jR5ZFaMYMV
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) August 25, 2022
Lakers star, LeBron James tweeted about his excitement for Westbrook in the upcoming season.
dark. Next. 3 ways that NBA expansion would drastically alter the NBA
Whether or not that will be for the Lakers is to be determined.