The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Patrick Beverley and people have a lot of opinions about it.
Most people weren’t expecting the Lakers to make this move and acquire the controversial, hot-headed star.
But, sure enough, LA feels that Beverley could help the team’s chances in the new season and they were willing to ship out both Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to get him.
Some people expected a lot more from the Lakers’ front office, they expected some monster trades that would shake up the league.
That’s not what this is.
I’ve upgraded my 2023 Lakers prediction – instead of being a 9-seed, I think they’re gonna be a 9-seed.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 25, 2022
In fact, this trade might not do a single thing.
NBA expert Bill Simmons doesn’t see the upside to this trade, stating on Twitter, “I’ve upgraded my 2023 Lakers prediction – instead of being a 9-seed, I think they’re gonna be a 9-seed.”
Obviously, Simmons is (mostly) joking but does he have a point, or is he missing the big picture?
A Beverley Boost
Simmons might be right: the addition of Beverley might not add anything to this struggling team.
But he should also remember that the Lakers might not be done with their offseason moves.
They could still secure a few other assets via trades.
In fact, the latest rumors suggest that LA has its sights on several other stars.
Will they be as big as, say, Kyrie Irving?
That’s unlikely, but the Lakers are putting together a plan that they think will work well.
They’re not just trading for Beverley – instead, he is one part of a larger puzzle that is coming together, hoping to push the team in the right direction.
If this was the only trade the Lakers made this offseason, it would be a bummer.
Hopefully, it’s one of a few more that come before the regular season starts.
NEXT: Skip Bayless Shares A Hilarious Patrick Beverley Take