Patrick Beverley Blames Media and Lakers for Russell Westbrook's Retirement

Patrick Beverley expressed surprise following Russell Westbrook's decision to retire, insisting the former league MVP was still capable of playing at a high level.\n\nAccording to a report by BasketNews, Beverley pointed to media narratives and Westbrook's tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers as primary factors behind the public backlash that ultimately drove the future Hall of Famer out of the league.\n\n"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," Beverley said, arguing that harsh coverage overshadowed Westbrook's performance on the floor.