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The news of Patrick Beverley joining the LA Lakers was shocking, to say the least. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith believes the move will not pay off as Beverley "cannot coexist" with Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook and Beverley have had several altercations on the court in recent seasons. Last season, Beverley led the charge as the Minnesota Timberwolves players mocked Westbrook for shooting an airball during a game.
On "First Take," Smith talked about the Lakers' latest acquisition.
"Anybody wearing the Lakers uniform has expectations. Which brings me to my point about Russell Westbrook and as it pertains to what Jeanie Buss has had to say. He never cheats the game with his effort. He always shows up when healthy. He earns his money, we got nothing to say in regards to that.
"But, I'm not of the mindset that the combination of him and Patrick Beverley can coexist ... . Patrick Beverley is a Hall of Fame agitator. This dude walks into a locker room and there's a standard in a culture that he's trying to infuse. And he will irritate his teammates just as much as he'll irritate the opposition.
Smith then went on to talk about the rivalry that exists between the two players.
"Patrick Beverley was one of the people that was screaming on the basketball court last year. When he was in Minnesota and Russell Westbrook playing against him. Patrick Beverley was one of the people screaming 'He with us' every time he touched the ball.
"'Let him shoot, he with us.' You see what I'm saying? Russell Westbrook ain't the type of dude, that's just gonna forget stuff like that. I don't think stuff like that's going to happen. So I think that they cannot coexist and it will have to change."
Westbrook's name has been mentioned in several trade rumors since the start of the offseason, but the nine-time All-Star is still a Laker. He opted into his $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
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Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook could play side-by-side in the backcourt
Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook have no love lost. However, coach Darvin Ham is reportedly considering playing the duo alongside one another next season.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins believes they could be the most dangerous defensive backcourt. He believes the defensive-minded guard will bring the best out of Westbrook.
Meanwhile, another report suggests that Beverley's addition is a sign that Westbrook will be leaving the organization. The report also stated that there is a chance the Lakers will send him home to sit out the season.
Westbrook struggled last season, performing way below the standards he has set in the past. The all-time triple-double leader had a difficult time finding the net and was also careless with the ball. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists last season.
