When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for veteran guard Patrick Beverley earlier this summer, one of the immediate questions that came up was how he would get along with Russell Westbrook.
The two have an acrimonious past that appears to go back to 2013 when the former injured the latter’s knee during a playoff game, forcing him to miss the balance of the postseason.
Many fans and observers figured there was no way the two could bury the hatchet and develop a working relationship as teammates, let alone become friends.
But according to Beverley, the two have not only become friends, but they’ve also been training together.
Patrick Beverley told ESPN that Russell Westbrook has been his “best friend” on the team since being traded to the Lakers this summer. Says they both come in to train before 7 a.m. and spend time in the gym together
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 26, 2022
Chemistry and good vibes are of paramount importance to the success of any team or organization, and if Beverley and Westbrook are indeed getting along that well, it is a good sign for the Lakers.
They have a crowded backcourt with Beverley, Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn (who has been fully cleared for contact work) and Dennis Schroder. A little competition, especially among friends, can only be a productive thing.
