NFL
By: Mark Wilson
The LeBron James era of the Los Angeles Lakers has not gone exactly according to plan. While they do have a championship to show off, the Lakers have been a complete disaster otherwise. Yes, the goal is to win titles, however, missing the playoffs in 2 out of 4 years with arguably the league’s best player in LeBron is nothing to be excited about. It was time for a boost and that’s exactly what Patrick Beverley will add to this team.
As great as LeBron and AD are, they have not held themselves accountable for the team’s failures. While no one in the front office has done it, neither has anyone on the floor. The fans can point fingers all they want. The same goes for the media. right now, the fingers are pointing in the direction of Russell Westbrook. Yes, he had what can be described as his worst season as a pro but he is not to blame for everything.
The Lakers made a move for Beverley this offseason despite the so-called beef he has with Westbrook. On the outside looking in, it appears that the Lakers choose Beverley over Westbrook but in essence, adding their rivalry may be what can save this franchise from another disappointing season.
Beverley is no max player. He’s not a star. He’s not an All-Star. But what he is, is a bridge to success and hard work. He’s the guy you want in the trenches with you when the battle gets going. And the one you want on the frontline when things go wrong. Beverley has played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. But if you let the media and fans tell it, Beverley is nothing more than a journeyman. Look at his teams over his career, when has Beverley failed?
Patrick Beverley Is A Tough Blue-Collar Player
He’s a great role player. For his career, Beverley has averaged 8.8. points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Also, let’s not forget to mention that in 526 regular season games, Beverley has started 438 of them. His numbers are solid considering the teams and the talents he has played with. But can he handle ego’s? Well, Bev has played with Blake Griffin, Paul George, Karl Anthony-Towns, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden. I’m pretty sure he can handle Westbrook, Davis, and LeBron.
What teammate has had anything negative to say about the feisty PG? Yes, he ruffles the feathers of his opponents but that’s his job. Beverley reminds me of Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons but not with the skill set. He will get under your skin and in your face and do whatever it takes to win. For the Los Angeles Lakers, that’s been missing in the LeBron era.
Beverley catches backlash because he speaks his mind and wears his heart on his sleeve. How many active players will have the balls to say what he said about Westbrook and Chris Paul? Pat doesn’t care. He understands he won’t get the favorable calls from the refs. He doesn’t care. He knows that fans will heckle him any chance they get. He doesn’t care. What he cares about is winning and putting it all on the line.
Los Angeles Lakers Need His Toughness
Pat doesn’t have a ring to showcase. But he does have an extensive playoff resume to boot. He’s played 10 years in the league and has missed the playoffs just twice. He’s battle-tested. If Westbrook is still with the team, then no doubt Russell earns the starting nod. But Beverley will still see minutes. He was brought into the Lakers’ fold for toughness and intangibles.
Beverley is the guy who will get in the face of his teammates and let them know where their weaknesses are. He will also be the one to get in front of a mic after a game and say what players like LeBron and Jeanie Buss just can’t say. He will tell the truth. Think about what Metta World Peace added to that 2010 championship team. He’s not here to win over friends, he’s here to win at all costs.
The Lakers are a fragile bunch of prima-donna athletes and Patrick Beverley is not one for the glamor and glitz. He’s a straight shooter. He’s a blue-collar guy and that’s the main reason he was brought to the Los Angeles Lakers.
