Patrick Beverley and LeBron James have had countless battles over the years. By all accounts, they are enemies on the basketball court. But when asked to name the player he’d like to partner with the most, Beverley was quick to name James.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jiq-q8BNE20
While it might be surprising to hear Bev give LeBron such high praise, it’s understandable why he has such a big appetite to team up with him. James has slowed down a bit in recent years, but he remains one of the smartest players in the game. As an expert playmaker and strategist, all of his teammates get to enjoy feeding off his skills.
Bev isn’t a shooter, but even he could thrive alongside James. It’s really no wonder why he’s curious about joining his side.
Unfortunately for the T-Wolves veteran, the feeling doesn’t appear to be mutual. Beverley could have played with LeBron when he was in Miami, but he was cut shortly after James arrived. It’s something that Bev apparently still thinks about today.
According to the L.A. Clippers guard, he was cut by Miami shortly after James’ arrival, and will never forget it.
“I played with Miami, with LeBron and they cut me. I got drafted by the #Lakers, they traded me to Miami. Bron got there, they cut me. I remember it like it was yesterday, so yeah, it’s a chip on my shoulder.”
He was drafted 42nd overall in the 2009 Draft, And though he was traded to Miami by the Lakers shortly after, he never once played a single game for them. He ended up in Houston years later, where he made his NBA debut.
Beverley, 33, is currently locked into a deal that will keep him in Minnesota for another year. He’s set to make $13 million.
Still, the Lakers probably could trade for him if they really wanted to, and he might not be a bad fit. As a fighter, defender, and ball-handler, he could be a spark to a Lakers squad that desperately needs one. Whether or not they get him, though, is up to LeBron, and he doesn’t seem too keen on the idea.
