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‘I made the playoffs last year, they didn’t’: Patrick Beverly bullish over joining forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davies at the Lakers and says ‘they’re gonna be playing with me!’
- Patrick Beverly was traded to the Lakers at the end of August after a year in Utah
- Beverly has had a heated rivalry with new teammate Russell Westbrook for years
- Says his focus his on getting the Lakers back to the playoffs after a down season
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Patrick Beverly was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers less than two weeks ago, and the point guard if already looking tp put his stamp on the team.
Beverly was traded to the Lakers in a deal that saw Taylor Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson moved to Utah. He was introduced to the press on Tuesday, and wasted no time creating headlines in his new home.
‘They’re gonna be playing with me. I made the playoffs last year, they didn’t. It’s a difference,’ Beverly said when asked about playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davies.
Patrick Beverly stated his main goal is to get the Lakers back to the playoffs after being traded to the team less than two weeks ago, from the Utah Jazz
Beverly drives to the basket past Ja Mornat of the Memphis Grizzlies, while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves
Beverly was also complimentary of his new teammates, and appeared to have already put his longtime rivalry with new teammate Russell Westbrook to bed as he wrapped up a workout at the Laker’s practice facility.
‘Super excited,’ Beverley said when asked about his relationship and fit with Westbrook. ‘… ‘I was asked this question two, three years ago, [about] someone I always wanted to play with and [Westbrook] was the first name. I have [known] Bron since I was a baby, a rookie in this league, so obviously I want to play with him.’
Westbrook and Beverly have been at odds with each other ever since the two matched up against each other in the 2013, but that history will not deter Lakers coach Darvin Ham from using the pair together in the backcourt.
‘If they play defense,’ Ham said on if he could start the duo. ‘We’ve got a while. That’s still a ways off, but definitely. People get caught up in the starting lineups a lot, but you look at who is finishing games. Those starters, they’re out there to set that tone for the entire team throughout the game.’
Westbrook and Beverley (right) have been at odds with each other since the 2013 playoffs
‘But, I’m not scared of that,’ It’s definitely a bullet in the chamber. We’re looking forward to it, man, those guys in the backcourt together, man,’ Ham added.
After once spending four years with the Lakers cross-town rivals the LA Clippers, before his one year in Utah Beverly is now solely focused on helping the Purple and Gold return to the post season.
“I just feel like they didn’t make the playoffs last year,” Beverley said when asked about coming to a team with 17 championship banners. “We’re being honest, that’s just the truth, so you can see all the banners, but you know, it’s what have you done for me lately? And lately, [the Lakers] haven’t been a good team. And I’m here. Obviously, Coach Ham is here.
Beverly says he is excited to team with James and Anthony Davis, as they attempt to get back to the playoffs