Lakers News: Ex-LA Guard Patrick Beverley Negotiating Buyout With Magic
6'1" ex-Los Angeles Lakers "shooting" guard Patrick Beverley, after being flipped yesterday to the Orlando Magic, is apparently on the move yet again.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Pat Bev is negotiating a buyout of the remainder of his expiring $13 million contract this season, which will allow him to sign with a new club once he clears waivers.
Earlier today, Beverley posted a thank-you message to the entire Lakers organization, and made a point to single out team vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, head coach Darvin Ham:
It's a shame things didn't work out with Beverley in Los Angeles. When the Lakers first made a trade for him with the Jazz over the summer, it certainly seemed like he could be this season's solution to the Russell Westbrook issue, as at the time rumors were rumbling that LA was going to move off Westbrook's contract. Instead, things devolved so much that, just a month into the season, reports emerged that Los Angeles was already looking to ship out Beverley, after he had an absolutely miserable start to his season.
His offense was atrocious for months, until stabilizing a bit recently. He has lost the lateral quickness that made his defense special, and has now taken to cheap-shot fouls when his lack of speed betrays him.
The 34-year-old former All-Defensive Teamer averaged 6.4 points on .402/.348/.780 shooting splits, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 steals a night, in 45 games as a Laker.
