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Patrick Beverley will meet with five teams, including Lakers, before Clippers

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 8: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 8, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 8: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 8, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Per the latest rumors, LA Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley will meet with as many as five teams in free agency, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

As we approach free agency, rumors will begin to come from all over the place regarding certain players and their plans once their contracts expire. The latest involves LA Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley, who could meet with as many as five teams — including the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls — before he sits down with the Clippers brass.

The information comes from reporter Sean Deveney, who shared what he heard on Twitter Monday afternoon. In addition to the details above, he also mentioned that the Clippers could have their hands full while going after max-level players (namely Kawhi Leonard, among others), and that Beverley may not wait on them to make him an offer.

The news shouldn’t shock Clippers fans, who witnessed firsthand just how important Beverley was to the team.

His numbers don’t always show how impactful he was — Beverley averaged 7.6/5.0/3.8 on .407/.397/.780 shooting splits last season — but those who watched each night know that his presence alone can swing games in one side’s favor.

A gritty defender, Beverley made it a point to get up into the grill of every player he matched up against last season. It didn’t matter how much bigger his opponents were, either. Whether he was defending Kevin Durant or LeBron James didn’t matter. His approach never changed.

If the Clippers choose not to retain Beverley (or can’t match an offer he receives), both the Lakers and Bulls make sense as potential landing spots.

Having recently traded away Lonzo Ball as part of the Anthony Davis deal, the Lakers are without a starting point guard. Given that James saw Beverley go up against his team in three games last season, it’s likely he was impressed by his style of play and wants him on his side.

The Bulls, meanwhile, lack a presence like Beverley’s. Outside of Robin Lopez, Otto Porter Jr. was the most experienced player on their roster last season. With Beverley’s leadership ability, Chicago could rely on him for player development and motivation to persist.

The other three teams that Beverley will meet with are unknown, but it seems safe to assume the Phoenix Suns are one of them. Though as one of the most point guard-needy franchises in league, other, better targets may take precedence over him.

Beverley could fetch a big offer this summer, and he absolutely deserves it. As one of the hardest-working guys in the NBA, he’s earned a big payday and has every right to make the decision that best benefits him and his family.

Next. Patrick Beverley talks possibility of joining Bulls. dark

It’s too early to tell if Beverley will suit up for the LA Clippers again next season, but even if he doesn’t, Clipper Nation will always have respect for him and what he helped the franchise accomplish in the face of adversity.

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