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LA Lakers guard Patrick Beverley has seldom backed down from a fight. He’s also found himself as the instigator in some NBA scuffles.
During Tuesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Beverley was back to his competitive ways. In the fourth quarter of a close game, Phoenix big man Deandre Ayton stood over Lakers guard Austin Reaves. While Reaves was lying on the ground, Patrick Beverley came over and shoved Ayton out of the way. Ayton fell over Reaves.
The incident obviously got both teams fired up, including the Phoenix Suns’ home crowd. Beverley has never been afraid to be portrayed as “the villain” on the basketball court. Although it wasn’t a popular move, Beverley was simply protecting his teammate.
That’s just what analyst Shannon Sharpe believes. On “Undisputed,” Sharpe said he agreed with Beverley’s mentality during the Lakers' 115-105 loss to the Suns.
“Sometimes, for a teammate, you have to throw caution to the wind and let these mofos know," Sharpe said. "I’m 1,000% with Pat Bev. That was some bush league stuff by Deandre Ayton. And next time the Lakers play Phoenix, Devin Booker, you're on notice.”
Patrick Beverley and LA Lakers look to build momentum in the Western Conference
The LA Lakers are looking to get back on track after a disappointing start to the season. Even in a 115-105 loss on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns, Beverley is hoping to give a spark to the team.
Los Angeles (5-11) found itself at 2-10 at one point before rattling off three consecutive victories. The team has started to show some signs of life, but there's still plenty of work left to be done. Up next, they need to take advantage of a favorable upcoming schedule.
The Lakers will hit the road for a pair of road games against the San Antonio Spurs (6-12). The team will then face the Indiana Pacers (10-6) and Portland Trail Blazers (10-7), who are without Damian Lillard, at home. It could be a crucial opportunity for the Lakers to make up some ground in the Western Conference standings.
Superstar forward LeBron James is expected to return to the lineup soon, which should give the Lakers a huge boost. The hope is that the Lakers can figure out what has caused this slow start to the season.
Patrick Beverley hopes that his leadership can provide a spark for a veteran roster. Beverley is averaging 4.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.4 minutes per game this year.
