Despite having one of the longest-running and most bitter feuds in the history of the NBA, Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook are now teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers. From what Beverley said on Tuesday, everything is now fine. Move on; there is nothing to see here. Here is what he said, as reported by ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
When Beverley questioned his relationship and fit with Westbrook, he cut in, "Super happy." "… I was asked this question two or three years ago regarding a player named Westbrook, who I had long yearned to play with. As a rookie in this league and someone who has known Bron since birth, I want to play with him.
"But I have never had a running buddy with that kind of competitive spirit, fire, determination, ferocity, nastiness, and grit. I am, therefore, quite eager to see where it goes. We will have difficult conversations, just like in any marriage or relationship. That is a consequence of victory, but I look forward to the discussions and the practices. Just being able to compete with someone like that excites me.
Darvin Ham, the head coach of the Lakers, suggested that he even start Westbrook and Beverley in the backcourt on the opening night against the Warriors.
Ham remarked, "If they play defence. "We still have time. Although it's still some time off, undoubtedly... However, I'm not afraid of it, Ham continued. There is unquestionably a bullet in the chamber. Man, we're looking forward to those guys in the backcourt together.
Welcome to the preseason's honeymoon period, which lasts before any sessions, games, or challenges. It's all love and potential right now. Everyone is on the same page and saying the right things, from Ham at his opening news conference to team owner/governor Jeanie Buss through Beverley.
On paper, LeBron James should be the one to start the offense, and Ham has stated that he wants to run the offense more through Davis, so Beverley and Westbrook can succeed as a backcourt combination, especially if they work more off the ball. As long as Westbrook is prepared to fill that position, it works. Westbrook and Beverley can pick up the pace.
But what transpires when hardship arises? What happens in the first game when Westbrook has the ball, and the Lakers are in a tight situation? What happens if the club suffers a string of defeats (which is possible early in the season because the Lakers have a difficult first couple of weeks)? What happens when Westbrook (or Beverley) is out in a crucial situation?
Before the start of training camp, it is simple to put grudges aside and hear everyone express their excitement about playing together. Expect tales from the LeBron-led minicamp about how well everyone is getting along and how fantastic things seem in the coming week or so. The time of year is right for optimism. To inspire. For harmony to prevail.
If the Lakers can stay healthy and take that into the season, they might be a playoff team in the West, but the first test of all the joy and love right now will come when adversity strikes.
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