The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a blow as Patrick Beverley was suspended on the eve of LeBron James’ return from injury.
James has missed six of the last seven matches as the Lakers’ season continues to falter. The team have struggled without him, compiling a 5-11 record as they lost to the Phoenix Suns last time out despite a monster display from Anthony Davis, who scored 37 points and snagged 21 rebounds.
The Lakers are reportedly set to have James back in action in their next match against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, but they will be without guard Beverley. He was awarded a three-game suspension by the NBA after he shoved Suns star DeAndre Ayton in the back in Tuesday’s defeat.
After his Lakers teammate Austin Reaves was fouled by Devin Booker, Beverley shoved Ayton to the floor as the center walked over towards the commotion which caused a melee between both teams. Beverley was unsurprisingly ejected from the game and will miss the next three games while he was also slapped with a $268,965 (£222,038) fine.
The NBA subsequently released a statement explaining their reasoning behind the suspension, claiming Beverley ‘forcefully shoved’ Ayton. Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars issued the suspension, which took into account Beverley’s history of indiscipline, such as when he pushed Suns guard Chris Paul to the ground from behind.
Following the loss to the Suns, Beverley appeared remorseful when discussing his actions when he said: “Very unprofessional by myself. Definitely could have reacted in a different way. I kind of thought it got out of play when two guys stared down Austin - that's what I saw.
“It's unfortunate it happened on national TV. So, yeah, I'm a big boy. I'll take my lumps however they come. I am a big fan of protecting my teammates, I'm a foxhole guy.”
Beverley reacted very differently on Twitter, however, once the punishment was bestowed upon him. He wrote: “Hear they trying to give me the book.”
Beverley and the Lakers have endured a frustrating start to the season, with their poor record leaving them 14th in the Western Conference. While this should mean the Lakers are due for a high pick in the 2023 NBA draft, their pick is owned by the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to the 2019 trade which brought Davis to Los Angeles.
In his 20th season since turning pro back in 2003, James is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 35.7 minutes over 10 games this season with the Lakers - and he is reportedly set to return from his frustrating injury in time for their next match. The Lakers travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs at the A&T Center on Friday night.
