Patrick Beverley wants to ‘knock’ LA Lakers ‘out of the play offs’

Patrick Beverley has revealed he is itching to face the Los Angeles Lakers, just days after signing with the Chicago Bulls for the remainder of the season.

The 34-year-old moved back to his hometown earlier this week after being bought out by the Orlando Magic. Beverley was traded away from the Lakers prior to the league’s trade deadline on February 9, and won’t be forgetting about it anytime soon based on his latest statement. 

‘Knock them out of the playoffs,’ the now-former Lakers and ex-Houston Rockets, LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves player said on his own podcast – The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone.

‘Yeah, like we gotta get in the playoffs, so excuse like a little scooch.’

The NBA veteran further stressed how much it means to him to get the Bulls to the postseason as a Chicago native. His new team lies below the play-in tournament spots as the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 26-33 overall record.

Veteran guard Patrick Beverley wants to knock his old team LA Lakers out of the playoffs

LA traded both of its guards, Beverley and Russell Westbrook, for D’Angelo Russell (No. 1)

The Lakers, who’ve acquired a new court general in D’Angelo Russell after trading away Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal with the Timberwolves, also find themselves in a similar position.

LA (27-32) is the No. 13 in the Western Conference though the Purple and Gold aren’t far off the Timberwolves (31-30) for the No. 8 seed.

Beverley will have an opportunity to face his most-recent, former team in back-to-back games on March 26 and 29. The first game will be played at Crpyto.com arena while the second will be played back in Chicago at United Center. 

Meanwhile, Beverley also revealed that he also had the opportunity to sign with the Golden State Warriors, the NBA’s reigning champions, but preferred to go back to his roots. 

‘If you think I went hard for other teams, just imagine how I’m gonna go hard for this one,’ Beverley told NBC Sports Chicago, adding: ‘You know me, I’m going to be on Zach LaVine’s ass.’

‘I’mma give him all the energy he needs. Destroy people. Me and DeMar DeRozan, we good. I got a popping five in Nikola Vucevic. I’m excited man, I’m excited.’ 

Beverley, who grew up on Chicago’s West Side, started 45 times for the Lakers this season, averaging 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game on 40 percent overall shooting.

Beverley confirmed he’s joining the Bulls on Twitter, subtweeting ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski