17 People who turned their backs on the Los Angeles Lakers
These former Lakers did not leave on the best terms.
By Tyler Watts
The Los Angeles Lakers are known for success. Their 17 championships are tied for the most in NBA history and no team has played in more playoff games. The Lakers always get the biggest stars, including Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. Their decision-makers have done well finding role players to complement them, but it is not always sunshine in Lakerland.
There have been plenty of front office mistakes. From failed draft picks to free agent busts to sideways trades, the Lakers have setbacks. No franchise is perfect, but their championships speak for themselves.
Sometimes it is the players who betray their organization. From trash-talking the franchise after leaving to quietly quitting while on the roster to demanding a trade, these people found a way to turn their backs on the Lakers.
17. Patrick Beverley
Beverley was drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2009 but went to the Heat in a trade. He did not suit up in purple and gold until 2022 when the Jazz traded him for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson as they began a rebuild.
His stint with the Lakers lasted just 45 games, which according to Beverley was his decision. He made it clear on his podcast that he requested a trade out of LA, and the Lakers honored it.
The fit just wasn’t there next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, so Patrick Beverley quickly moved on. He turned his back on the Los Angeles Lakers by requesting a trade.
The franchise turned things around after his departure. They were five games under .500 after Pat Bev’s last game on Feb. 7 but finished the year in the conference finals. Beverley’s trade request may have been the best thing for both parties.
He is not the only player who turned their back on the Lakers during their storied history. It even happened with multiple coaches.