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Russell Westbrook superfan says there’s no way Patrick Beverley fit works

Mike Luciano|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook has made a handful of enemies in his NBA career, but Patrick Beverley could be chief among them. Given how hard both players compete night in and night out, some friction is perhaps understandable. Playing together seemed like an almost impossible thought to consider.

The Lakers decided to throw team chemistry to the wind in favor of adding a veteran bench piece. LA traded Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to the Utah Jazz in order to acquire Beverley. The aging ball-handler is one year removed from taking the Timberwolves to the playoffs.

There may be no more famous active beef in the league than that between Westbrook and Beverley given the venom both parties have sprayed between one another. Westbrook supporters have to be confused right now, as their mortal enemy could be wearing forum blue and gold.

One huge Westbrook supporter spoke for the hundreds of No. 0 fans out there, declaring that this partnership is not going to work. With Beverley always willing to get into it and Westbrook so hardheaded that he is not going to forget those who try to challenge him, this could make for a frosty relationship if Russ isn’t traded.

Will the Lakers keep Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley?

In a vacuum, a player with Beverley’s skillset could be what the Lakers need. Beverley averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game last year. A career 38% 3-point shooter with a high volume, Beverley’s combination of sniping and ceaseless defensive intensity will appeal to Darvin Ham.

However, his issues with Westbrook go beyond simply two hard-nosed players getting into it on the court. When Westbrook’s Thunder had a chance to make their second consecutive Finals run, an injury from Beverley helped derail that pursuit. Even if they say all the right things publically, there is a ton of tension bubbling below the surface.

The two have often exchanged barbs via the media and Twitter. Westbrook has taken shots at Beverley’s defense, claiming his hustle “tricks” the media into thinking he is better than he actually is. Just six months ago Beverley was going in on Westbrook amid LA’s disappointing season.

The Lakers will need to either bring in the most experienced couples therapist the world has ever seen or get off Westbrook as soon as possible. Beverley is not one to forget those he has scrapped with, and Westbrook is likely not going to be so forgiving.

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