Like anybody else, Patrick Beverley is simply shocked about Russell Westbrook's decision to retire, even though the former NBA star can still play at his best at this stage of his NBA career.
Nevertheless, Beverley believes that media narratives played a big role in the generally negative public perception of Westbrook, which forced the future Hall of Famer to call it quits instead.
"I'm going to be honest. I felt like he had a lot of game left. I feel like he played really well last season. I think the media killed his game. I'm going to be honest. I think the media is so strong that it allowed fans to call him names and have opinions about his game, which also forced team owners, GMs, and presidents to look at him a certain way," Beverley said on the newest episode of his The Pat Bev Show.
"When you talk about guards in the NBA, and no disrespect to guys on current teams, but when you talk about Lonnie Walker, he's a good friend of mine, but if he can make an NBA team, Russell Westbrook can make an NBA team without a doubt."
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Russell Westbrook ends basketball career on his own terms
Russell Westbrook capped off his 18-year NBA career last week.
Averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 64 appearances, Westbrook delivered as a highly productive, standout veteran in his final NBA season with the Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook still earned playing offers from the Kings and the Washington Wizards as a free agent this offseason, but the terms of the deal aren't convincing enough for the former superstar to accept.
Instead, Westbrook chose to walk away on his own terms and declare retirement.
Patrick Beverley blames Lakers tenure for negative impact in Russell Westbrook's career
Furthermore, Patrick Beverley sees Russell Westbrook's Los Angeles Lakers tenure as the direct reason for the former NBA MVP's career to go upside down.
Westbrook notably joined the Lakers in 2021 via a blockbuster trade out of the Washington Wizards. Amid massive hype and expectations as he formed a Big 3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, LA's entire 2021-22 season turned into a devastating campaign due to fit issues, injuries, and media drama.
Westbrook was heavily scrutinized and seen as one of the Lakers' top scapegoats. His ball-dominant play style did not blend well with the team's system.
The following season, Westbrook was forced to adapt to being a bench player for the Lakers. He eventually got dealt by Los Angeles ahead of the 2022-23 trade deadline.
"I think it all turned when he went to the Lakers and left," Beverly claimed. "I think he had a cloud over his head that was dark. Teams didn't know if he was a team player. Teams didn't know if he was a good locker room guy. I mean, he was a teammate of mine, one of my favorite teammates. You're talking about sacrificing the MVP? Mind you, me and him got beef. They starting me, got him coming off the bench. I can laugh about it now because it's partly entertaining, but they got Russ coming off the bench and got Pat Bev starting in front of him. You know what I'm saying?
"So, like, he still kept it core. He still was professional. He still came in and did everything right. Every team dinner, every on time, everything stretched with the team. He did everything correct, man. He did everything correct. So, bittersweet to me because I'm going to keep it a buck."
Beverley and Westbrook hammered one of the NBA's most intense rivalries, but both players shockingly bonded with a strong relationship that extends beyond basketball after becoming teammates in the Lakers.
Upon his former rival's decision to retire, Beverley got nothing but love and appreciation for Westbrook and his illustrious career.
"Obviously, I'm just mentioning all the on-court stuff, right? I'm not even mentioning all the other things. I'm not even mentioning giving back to communities, making LA great again. I'm just strictly on basketball. But with that and basketball, shout out to you, Russ," Beverley added.
"You deserve it all, bro. I hate to see you go so early. I know you got a ton of game left in you. Ton of game. Love always, gang."