The Los Angeles Lakers acquired veteran guard Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz in a trade, the organizations confirmed on Thursday. In exchange for Beverley, Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson are heading to Utah.
Last season, Beverley was a crucial player to the Minnesota Timberwolves' return to the playoffs, starting 54 games and averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 34.3% on three-pointers. According to an NBA report, Beverley was part of a five-player, five-pick trade for Rudy Gobert in July, but he will not suit up for the Jazz.
Despite playing a larger role in his third season with L.A., Horton-Tucker reached a plateau (25.2 mpg vs. 20.1 in 2020-21). Johnson, who was picked No. 8 overall by Detroit in 2015, eventually signed with the Lakers after a few 10-day contracts, eventually averaging 6.7 ppg and 3.2 rpg in 22.8 mpg in 48 games (27 starts).
No More Chance of a Kyrie Irving Trade?
The news comes after NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the Nets and Kyrie Irving have reportedly reconciled, with the Nets deciding to keep Irving this season.
The Brooklyn Nets also stated that Kevin Durant had chosen to withdraw his trade request and that he and the team had agreed to move ahead with their "partnership."
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The Nets are undoubtedly optimistic in KD and Kyrie, as well as the healthy returns of Ben Simmons and Joe Harris, as well as the free agent signings of Royce O'Neal and T.J. Warren, as well as the re-signings of Patty Mills and Nic Claxton, will aid the team's revival to championship contention.
Russell Westbrook Stays in LA
Given the developments, superstar guard Russell Westbrook is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers after a disappointing debut season in purple and gold.
Westbrook is in the final year of his five-year, $206 million contract with the Thunder, which he signed in 2018. He has played for the Rockets, Wizards, and now the Lakers, where he will be paid more than $47 million this season.
Given his massive salary and on-court troubles in contrast to what he's owed, he's a challenging trade item. As a result, it appears that Westbrook is certain to return to the Lakers for a second season as the league's offseason winds down.
Russell Westbrook has been under more scrutiny this offseason, with supporters calling for him to be traded. However, his friend and fellow superstar LeBron James has continued to defend him from critics.
Can't wait for him to go off this season!! 🤫
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 25, 2022
Sports Illustrated reported that James responded to a tweet concerning Westbrook on Thursday morning, saying, "Can't wait for him to go off this season!!"
Early in the season, all attention will be on Westbrook and his production. However, issues have been raised, like as whether Beverley might replace Westbrook in the starting lineup. Is Westbrook willing to play off the bench? Can Beverly fit the backcourt mix alongside Russell Westbrook, with whom he has a troubled past?
Darvin Ham, the new Lakers coach, will have to answer all of these questions in the upcoming NBA season.
