NBA analyst believes Lakers’ stars should chip in $270k to compensate Patrick Beverley for money he’ll lose due to a 3-game suspension
LA Lakers veteran Patrick Beverley has always been a fierce competitor on the basketball court. Sometimes, that competitive spirit can get the best of him.
Beverley recently tried to protect for his teammates. During the closing minutes of Tuesday night's 115-105 loss at the Phoenix Suns, Suns center Deandre Ayton stood over Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Beverley came to the assistance of his teammate, before shoving Ayton, who toppled over across Reaves' body.
Since the incident, Beverley was suspended by the NBA for three games, meaning it will cost him around $270,000 in salary. Much of the reason was due to Beverley's previous history with similar incidents. Appearing recently on "Undisputed," Shannon Sharpe defended Beverley. Sharpe said the Lakers should help support Beverley with the fine and suspension.
"If I'm Pat Bev I'm going to the Lakers saying: 'You see what I just did? Now Imma need y’all to put a pool together, and when I come back, have that thing sitting for me in the middle of the table!"
NBA suspends Patrick Beverley for 3 games:
"If I'm Pat Bev I'm going to the Lakers saying: 'You see what I just did? Now Ima need y’all to put a pool together and when I come back, have that thing sitting for me in the middle of the table!'" — @ShannonSharpe https://t.co/UHeQ0YTqhL
LA Lakers and Patrick Beverley look to get back on track
Every team in the NBA needs to have a player who isn't afraid to step up for their teammates. That's exactly the case with LA Lakers veteran guard Patrick Beverley. Although Beverley hasn't produced the biggest numbers this season, his impact has been larger in the locker room.
The Lakers head into Friday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs with a 5-11 record. The team has won three of its last four games, starting to show signs of life.
Patrick Beverley's suspension is for shoving Suns‘ Deandre Ayton from behind, knocking him to the court, and was based in part on Beverley’s history of unsportsmanlike acts, NBA says. twitter.com/ShamsCharania/…
Although it's been a slow start to the season, there's still time to get back on track. The team has also been without superstar forward LeBron James, meaning that additional help is on the way. James is expected to return to the lineup, after missing the past five games, on Friday at the San Antonio Spurs.
Beverley will look to support his teammates in other ways while he serves his three-game suspension. The Lakers will face the San Antonio Spurs again on Saturday before a home game on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. That means that the team will have a favorable matchup to generate a stretch of wins.
Beverley has struggled with his production. He's averaging 4.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 26.6%, including a career-low 23.8% from 3-point range.