Two stars of the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to make nice.
After years of playing against each other, being at odds, and talking a lot of smack, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley are going to be playing side by side when the new season starts.
This seemed unfathomable just weeks ago but it’s increasingly likely as no deals for Westbrook are coming together and he is going to stick it out with LA.
There are more than a few people who don’t see this pairing working out well.
Naw Skip I have a good feeling about this🙏🏾🏀 https://t.co/HXXTmtEEW8
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) September 8, 2022
NBA analyst Skip Bayless is just one of them.
He hopped on Twitter to air his concerns:
“PatBev will do everything in his professional power to make it work with Russ. But – despite the show Westbrook put on today as PatBev was introduced to the media – he will once again PB’s worst enemy if PB starts taking Russ’ minutes. Russ is about Russ, not winning.”
A very surprising Westbrook defender came out to stand up for the star: Beverley himself.
He kept it simple in response to Bayless’ words: “Naw Skip I have a good feeling about this,” Beverley said.
Befriending Beverley
Most people know Beverley as the outspoken, brash, in-your-face trash-talker who will say whatever he wants whenever he wants to whoever he wants.
However, his tone has been mostly cordial and warm since being traded to the Lakers.
Sure, he’s made one or two brash comments about the state of the team but he’s mainly been very supportive of his new squad, and seems like he genuinely wants to win.
That’s great to see and will come in very handy in the months ahead.
The team requires skill, of course, but they also need to believe in themselves and have fire in their bellies.
Beverley is showing he can provide that.
NEXT: The Lakers Are Making Big Russell Westbrook Plans