The Lakers made some major moves before the trade deadline, including trading away defensive-minded veteran guard Patrick Beverley.
Beverley, 34, signed with Los Angeles this past offseason and started all 45 games that he played for the franchise. He was involved in a four-team deal that sent him to the Orlando Magic, though he eventually agreed to a contract buyout and signed with the Bulls.
During the most recent episode of The Pat Bev Podcast, however, Beverley admitted that it was actually his decision to leave Los Angeles. He recently stated that the vibes were “off” with the franchise while he was there.
(WARNING: NSFW language ahead.)
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— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) February 28, 2023
Here is what Beverley said about the situation:
“To some people, it could be that PatBev got traded. But in all reality, nah, I didn’t like what was going on and let’s find a better home for me. Not so that: ‘He ain’t good enough, let’s get rid of him.’ All that [expletive] was my decision … They honored my request.”
This is particularly noteworthy because, around the trade deadline, fans also learned that former Lakers big man Thomas Bryant also requested a trade.
Bryant, who accidentally turned into a meme when he asked for the pass on the shot when LeBron James’ broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record, had reportedly “grown unhappy” with his role on the team.
It is certainly concerning that Beverley and Bryant, who were two of the most significant signings of the offseason for the Lakers, both requested out during the conclusion of their first year with the team.
