Inside The Los Angeles Lakers’ Bold Plans For Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley, NBA News, Los Angeles lakers
NBA Analysis Network

New Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham will have his hands full when it comes to figuring out the rotation. This team is lacking in some areas, but as long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are on the roster, they will be attempting to contend for an NBA championship.

The biggest elephant in the room for Ham is what to do with point guard Russell Westbrook. He was a mainstay in the starting lineup last season despite his struggles, which hamstrung some of the decisions that former head coach Frank Vogel could make with the rotation.

Ham will reportedly be given more autonomy regarding who plays when, but finding a role for Westbrook is easier said than done. He isn’t a good fit alongside the other superstars, but that is why the team has gone out and added depth to the position this offseason.

Acquiring Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz was a nice addition. He is an excellent fit as a complementary role player alongside James and Davis. All of his strengths play well off of them, as he can knock down 3-pointers and be the lead playmaker at times. Defensively, he is as tenacious as anyone.

While his role with the Lakers this upcoming season will certainly be similar, the position that he will play will be different. Marc Stein, on his Substack, detailed the bold plans that Los Angeles has for Beverley.

“With Westbrook poised to remain a Laker when new coach Darvin Ham opens his first training camp as L.A.’s new coach, sources say Beverley is regarded internally by the club as a 3-and-D wing and not as a point guard at this stage of his career. The Lakers, in other words, see Westbrook and Schröder as their point guards as of Sept. 18 … and the likes of Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV as 2s and 3s.”

LATEST NBA NEWS: Los Angeles Lakers, Patrick Beverley, Russell Westbrook & Dennis Schroder Updates

If the Lakers are going to run things back and give Westbrook another chance, changing Beverley’s role is the only way to help make it work. On paper, Beverley would be a good sidekick for Westbrook as their skill sets match up well. All of Beverley’s strengths cover Westbrook’s weaknesses and vice versa.

Beverley has made it clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win games. He likely doesn’t care what his role is as long as they are finding success on the court.

LATEST NBA NEWS: Los Angeles Lakers, Patrick Beverley, Russell Westbrook & Dennis Schroder Updates

Expect the backcourt situation to be a fluid one as Ham figures out what the best combinations are to use. If Westbrook is unwilling to adjust his style of play, at least the Lakers have some other options that they could turn to in the backcourt.

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