Jeanie Buss has finally addressed the LA Lakers trade movement for trade for former Utah Jazz guard Patrick Beverley. The leader’s arrival was considered the end of Russell Westbrook‘s term in Los Angeles.
The governor of the Laker team on the NBA Track Show dismissed these reports as nothing more than fictitious stories. She compared Beverley’s situation to the acquisition of Matt Barnes by the Lakers and the story of his irritable relationship with Kobe Bryant.
“I remember all the videos that circulated when the Lakers brought in Matt Barnes and his relationship with Kobe over the years as one of the best defenders of Kobe, and now he becomes teammates with Kobe. We’ve seen these storylines before,” said Buss.
“Pat Beverley was put here to play defense, to be that guy that knows how to push his teammates, sets an example with how he approaches his job.”
She added, “He just brings that work ethic that we value, that coach Ham values, and is going to be a leader in the locker room. It has nothing to do with Russ. People love to pull up storylines and create something, but that isn’t the case.”
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The Two Guards Have Had Their Issues in The Past
It all started in the 2013 Playoffs between the Rockets and Thunder. The whistle had been blown, but Patrick Beverley kept playing, and Westbrook suffered a torn meniscus. Of course, Westbrook was Irate because the injury ended his season and also cost the Thunder a chance to return to the NBA Finals that season.
Russell Westbrook would later say Beverley doesn’t play defense.
Last season, Patrick Beverley was on the Old Man And Three podcast and shared that Westbrook heart his career with that statement.
“He damaged my career. Coaching staffs, players, fans, they looked at me way different.”
Fast forward they are both on the Lakers and slated to start next together this upcoming season. According to Beverley they are both hungry.
