3 Ways Patrick Beverley’s Lakers arrival impacts rivalry with LA Clippers

Reggie Jackson, LA Clippers - Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Reggie Jackson, LA Clippers - Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
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Patrick Beverley, LA Clippers
Patrick Beverley, LA Clippers – Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

1. A never-ending rivalry

In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers had had quite the rivalry. After both teams found their superstars, it seems as if they constantly go at each other. Whenever this rivalry occurs, headlines are instantly put together.

What may seem odd is that the Lakers continuously target former Clipper players. This could be the strategy for the Lakers to intensify their rivalry with the Clippers. The Lakers have been doing this throughout the last few seasons. It is notable that after a player finishes his tenure with the Clippers, the Lakers are gradually going to make a move.

Players like Avery Bradley, Deandre Jordan, Montrezl Harrell, and now Patrick Beverley have all been on the Lakers’ radar over the years. Some of these players were extremely important in the franchise turnaround for the LA Clippers.

After these players made their appearance in a Laker uniform, it was clear that they were not valued the same as they once were. This could be for several reasons. There is a possibility that the Lakers did not utilize them correctly or that they can only thrive in specific systems. Within just a few seasons, the Lakers moved on from these players. Moreover, this shows how players go from being cornerstone pieces for the Clippers to average role players with the Lakers.

The Lakers have unknowingly made their rivalry with the Clippers even stronger. After winning seven straight matchups, it should not come as a difficult task for the LA Clippers to win another few.