Lakers Rumors: Clippers May Audition Ex-LA Point Guards
Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley on the same team was always like to result in numerous fights and/or an abundance of inefficient backcourt offense. After 55 games into the season, the Lakers' front office decided they saw enough and traded both veteran point guards in separate packages.
However, Law Murray of The Athletic has reported that if Westbrook secures a buyout with the Jazz, the Los Angeles Clippers may seize the opportunity. Beverley has just been bought out by Orlando, per a team press release.
"They still do not have a point guard in the traditional sense and they still have an open roster spot," said Murray. "The good thing is that they didn't do the foolish thing by breaking the bank to acquire a player on a current contract. But will coach Tyronn Lue and his stars crave a traditional point guard? And if so, which kind?"
The Clippers already gave a chance to a player looking to re-establish themselves in the NBA with John Wall. However, he did not live up to the role the team wanted for him and found himself being moved prior to the trade deadline.
If Los Angeles decided to bring in Westbrook, it would be a similar situation. They have been able to closely monitor the drama surrounding his name when he played with the neighboring Lakers. However, reports show that Paul George and Marcus Morris have been vouching for the team to sign him.
On the other hand, Beverley would fit in 100% due to him already having played there from 2017-2021. He completely embraced the "underdog" labels and mentality that came with playing for the Clippers at the time.
Unfortunately, it seems as though the Clippers are looking for a true point guard and he just isn't that. His time with the Lakers showed this as in 27 minutes a game, Beverley averaged just 6 points and 2 assists. He was on the court mainly for perimeter defense and shooting (shot 34% from three so far this year).
Murray does note that the Clippers are known to take risks and to not count either of these moves out.
"There will be risks taken no matter what they do, whether it is adding a player like Westbrook, Beverley, an unfamiliar option, or no one at all," said Murray.
