Los Angeles Lakers guard Patrick Beverley wasn’t able to play on Sunday due to a non-COVID illness. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Kendrick Nunn, who scored a grand total of zero points in 18 minutes.
The team could’ve used Beverley’s defense, as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ electrifying backcourt lit it up. New addition Donovan Mitchell poured in 33 points on 10-of-17 field-goal shooting and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line.
Yes, Beverley has been a disappointment offensively, but his defensive effort and hustle have helped the Lakers this season.
Unfortunately, he will not make the Lakers’ trip to Salt Lake City to play against the Utah Jazz on Monday.
Patrick Beverley won't travel with the team to Utah tomorrow so he will be out again.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) November 6, 2022
The Jazz have been the NBA’s biggest surprise this season, and their three main guards – Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley and Collin Sexton – have led the way.
Nunn, Russell Westbrook, Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves will have to step up to get the Lakers a much-needed win.