Patrick Beverley looking forward to Lakers $51 million ‘X-Factor’ to rise up to the occasion
Patrick Beverley believes Rui Hachimura holds the key to the Los Angeles Lakers’ success this coming season.
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Rui Hachimura
Patrick Beverley has offered advice to LA Lakers forward, Rui Hachimura ahead of the new season. Beverley, who is well known for his outspoken nature, highlighted Hachimura as a key figure in the Lakers’ upcoming campaign and emphasized the importance of his contributions to the team’s success.
He made this known during a recent conversation on his podcast, the Pat Bev Pod, where he labeled Rui Hachimura as the “X-factor” for the Lakers, and noted that his new three-year, $51 million contract signed in September 2023 makes it pertinent for him to step up.
Rui. He a good basketball player. But I don't--he's not the x-factor to me. Actually, you know what, he should be the x-factor because he gets paid as the x-factor should be. So yeah, f**k it, we gon' put him x-factor. He needs to do more.Patrick Beverley on the Pat Bev Pod
Fans of the Purple and Gold are aware that Hachimura’s potential is crucial for the team, especially considering his significant salary has made him the fifth-highest-paid player on the Lakers roster. His performance has to reflect that as last season he appeared inconsistent at times, missing easy layups which cost the Lakers against the Nuggets.
However, he posted solid numbers last season, averaging 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. While his contributions were valuable, Beverley, like fans of the ambitious Lakers believes that Hachimura has room to elevate his game further. This is considering that the Lakers have made no serious signings yet.
Patrick Beverley leaves out Giannis Antetokounmpo from his top five power forwards
The top five player conversation continues as Patrick Beverley was asked by co-host Adam Ferrone to name his top five power forwards in the NBA. In doing so, he shockingly omitted his former teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Furthermore, when pressed on his reason, he explained that he didn’t include Giannis because he doesn’t view him as a traditional power forward. His list included Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns, New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson, Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen, and Warriors veteran Draymond Green.
Greek Freak is not a four! He's a three... I put the Greek Freak in the same position that I put Wemby, Greek, Bron, KD. Positionless Basketball.Patrick Beverley on the Pat Bev Pod
Interestingly, Giannis responded to Beverley’s comments about him via his comment section on Instagram. Last season, Giannis faced challenges with the Bucks, as they missed the playoffs after a coaching change and he suffered a season-ending injury, which left the team in a difficult spot.
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Ubong Archibong
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