Patrick Beverley Slams Lakers' Usage of Russell Westbrook
During a recent appearance on Gil's Arena, Philadelphia 76ers guard Patrick Beverley joined the show to discuss a multitude of topics. One of the topics Beverley spoke on was his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, and specifically the usage of Russell Westbrook off the bench.
"They should've started me, Austin [Reaves], [Russell Westbrook], [LeBron James], and [Anthony Davis]," Beverley said.
While Beverley believes the Lakers should've started he and Westbrook together, the Lakers opted to bring the former MVP off the bench, which is a decision Beverley disagreed with.
"All the beef about Russ, maybe none of that happens," Beverley said when speaking about the way Westbrook was used. "... It's ways that you have to operate your team without over-managing it, or over-coaching it. Sometimes you just have to put the dominoes out there."
When asked specifically if it was bad for the Lakers for Westbrook to come off the bench, Beverley said, "I thought it was. I thought it was bad for Russ. He was the heartbeat of the team."
While Beverley acknowledged that it was a difficult decision, he said he believes the decision was made based upon what Westbrook had done the year prior, which was unfair. Beverley had nothing bad to say about Darvin Ham, and said he really liked his former coach; however, the handling of Westbrook's role was something Beverley disagreed with.
Now a member of the LA Clippers, Westbrook is the team's starting point guard, and has been thriving in that role.
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