The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to win an NBA title this season. Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley are no longer members of the Lakers. That hasn’t stopped them from wanting a championship ring if the Lakers win the title, according to Beverley.
During a live “Patrick Beverley with Rone” podcast (10:18 mark on the podcast) Wednesday night, Beverley said he ran into Westbrook at a gym earlier in the day and claims his former Lakers’ teammate staked a claim.
“”Hey Pat, Lakers win I want my ring.”
Beverley said he agreed with Westbrook.
“I ain’t gonna lie, Russ. We’re going to be suited and booted, boy,” Beverly said on the podcast. “I’m going to be right there, waiting on that ring.”
Westbrook and Beverley were with the Lakers when the current season began.
Westbrook appeared in 52 games with the Lakers before he was traded to the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline in February. Westbrook agreed to a buyout with the Jazz and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Beverley appeared in 45 games with the Lakers before he was traded to the Orlando Magic at the deadline. Beverley also agreed to a buyout with the Magic and he signed with the Chicago Bulls.
The Lakers were 25-30 leading up the trades and posted a record of 18-9 after the trades and roster shakeup to close out the regular season. They defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in a first-round playoff series and are tied 1-1 with the defending champion Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference semifinal round matchup.
It’s not totally inconceivable for Beverley and Westbrook to receive a ring if the Lakers win the title. Other teams have awarded rings to players who were traded away during the regular season. The question is whether the current Lakers’ players will want to award a ring to two former players.
