Kendrick Perkins believes that the LA Lakers' new back of Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley could become a great defensive backcourt
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The LA Lakers acquired Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Talen Horton – Tucker and Stanley Johnson. With him coming into the roster, it will be interesting to see how things will be between Beverley and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook. The two veterans have had a tumultuous past and do not share the most cordial relationship.
Many analysts believe that with Patrick Beverley coming into the LA Lakers, Westbrook’s departure from the team has become imminent. However, Kendrick Perkins is vouching for the backcourt duo of Beverley and Westbrook. Speaking about how the two could click in well together, the 2008 NBA champion said on “The First Take” that:
“Patrick Beverley actually is going to bring out the best version of Russell Westbrook. When I look at Patrick Beverley, when I look at a guy that is shooting 37% from three for his career, when I look at a guy that is Mr.94 feet himself, that’s gonna do everything. One of the few guys in the NBA, that could affect the game and could help the team win the game without scoring one single point at the guard position that is Patrick Beverley. Somewhat of what the Lakers wanted to be last year”
The LA Lakers’ new coach Darvin Ham spoke highly about Russell Westbrook when he first came in. Despite having a dismal 2021-22 season, the 48-year-old was firm on the belief that the former MVP had a lot left in his tank. However, there was one thing that he highlighted while talking about his plans for Westbrook. Ham mentioned that he wanted Russ to be at his best defensively.
In his 14-year NBA career, Russell Westbrook has never been known for his defense. He is one of the most athletic point guards, but his defense has never been the strong point of his game. However, with Pat Beverley coming into the LA Lakers, Russ will have to work twice as hard on the defensive end as he ever has.
Come the regular season, if Westbrook is to continue on the LA Lakes roster, he will indefinitely share minutes with Pat Bev. Although that is not something he would be fond of, there is no denying that the three-time All-Defensive selection does have abilities to turn the game around.
The 34-year-old can shoot threes and guard opponents tirelessly. He is not the most physically gifted athlete, but the level of toughness Beverely brings to the court, is second to none. If Westbrook has to match up against that, he will have to play as per the coaches expectations.
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Darvin Ham is a coach that is unfazed by the pressure of being in a city like LA. Although this is his first head coaching job, he will not back down from benching players if he doesn’t get the expected quality. Russell Westbrook is someone that already has a lot to prove. However, if he is unable to play as per Ham’s demands, he could very well be on the bench as the LA Lakers will then have a player like Pat Beverley who they can deploy on the floor.
