The Los Angeles Lakers came through a nightmare to see themselves in the playoffs this season. Last season the fans were disappointed as the squad could not make the postseason. This year as well, the team did not start well. In the 2022-2023 NBA season, the Lakers were 2-10 in the beginning. It took a lot of time for the front office to figure out a way to turn things around. Initially, the front office of the Purple and gold army thought they could build a team around the three superstars – LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
But the way things started this season, it was easy to anticipate that ‘the three superstars plan’ was not working. The Lakers had a real lack of balance and injury issues that was not helping them either. Rob Pelinka, the General Manager, along with the rest in the front office, took some tough calls. Thus, the Lakers underwent a total reshuffle. Some players who were just not fitting on the roster were traded. There were two very integral members of the team, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley. But now, both the players are off to their different teams. Despite that, they want their ring if Lakers the win their 18th title this year.
Beverley And Westbrook Wants The Rings If Lakers Win Title
Pat Bev had recently stated on his podcast that it was his decision to leave the Lakers and not the other way around. Russell Westbrook mentioned that when he heard that he was traded, his immediate reaction was, “I’m in a better place.” However, as it turns out, neither the Jazz nor the Clippers have made it to the second round of the playoffs. Beverley’s and Westbrook’s sides are out of contention for the Championship. On the other hand, the Lakers are doing great as they are playing against the defending champions in the second round of the playoffs. The series is poised after Game 2 at 1-1.
Meanwhile, on Pat Bev’s podcast Russell Westbrook and the host discussed their desire to receive the ring if the Lakers win the Championship. Westbrook played 52 games this season, and Beverley played 45 for the Lakers. Pat averaged 6.4 ppg, 3.1 RPG, and 2.6 APG in these games. Whereas Westbrook averaged 15.9 ppg, 6.2 RPG, and 7.5 apg. There is no such NBA rule that states if a former player has to wait for the team to allow them to receive a ring. But a player can choose not to. However, Westbrook and Beverley really want a ring if the Lakers win the championship. Pat Beverley said he does not care what people might think about him or call him. All he knows is that he wants the ring for playing 45 games.
Quality Players Came In After Trading Westbrook and Beverley
These players were traded because of their non-performance and to sign some quality players in instead. After a trade with Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, and so on, players came into the Lakers. Russell Westbrook was traded to the Jazz at first.
Later he signed with the Clippers to keep staying in Los Angeles. Patrick Beverley was traded much later after the Westbrook trade was made. Later, Pat Beverley signed with the Bulls. Furthermore, Beverley and Westbrook had said earlier that they are in a much better place after leaving the Lakers.
