Patrick Beverley helped the Minnesota Timberwolves make the playoffs last season with his defense and leadership. This summer, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired the defensive-minded point guard by trading Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson, and it is clear they are in need of his skill set.
Many believe that the trade for Patrick Beverley was an elite move from the Los Angeles Lakers’ perspective. NBA analyst Antonio Daniels has previously said that the Patrick Beverley move was an “A+ trade” for the Los Angeles Lakers, noting that he could be a perfect piece next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“That is the best for him. This is a great situation for Patrick Beverley and the Los Angeles Lakers. This is a great trade for them. I know you can look at it in a ‘Beverley doesn’t score a lot, he doesn’t bring the fit. LeBron needs shooting around him, Anthony Davis needs shooting around him.’ You know what else they need around them? Patrick Beverley. They need this type of guy on their roster. This is a great A+ trade for the Los Angeles Lakers. I love it for the Lakers.
It is obvious that Patrick Beverley brings the Los Angeles Lakers one step closer to getting to the playoffs and potentially winning the championship. However, how coach Darvin Ham will utilize Beverley remains to be seen.
Shaquille O’Neal Thinks Patrick Beverley Will Star For The Lakers
Obviously, there has been some debate about whether Patrick Beverley would end up starting at either guard position, or whether he’d be the sixth man off the bench behind point guard Russell Westbrook.
Shaquille O’Neal has recently stated his belief that Patrick Beverley will actually be starting alongside Russell Westbrook. It seems as though O’Neal has this belief because Beverley can defend at a high level and make plays for others. (11:02):
Nischelle Turner: Pat? Patrick Beverley, you think is going to be starting for the Lakers?
Shaquille O’Neal: Yeah. For defensive purposes. He is a defensive wizard, he can get rid of the ball, he can get people involved, yeah.
Obviously, it remains to be seen if Patrick Beverley does end up starting. Due to coach Darvin Ham’s defensive-oriented philosophy, though, it is certain that he will get good minutes.
It was previously reported that the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Patrick Beverley means that Russell Westbrook is more likely to be moved. Perhaps Patrick Beverley will become the undisputed starting point guard, but as of right now, it seems as though the two may have to learn how to coexist.
