Los Angeles Lakers Patrick Beverley Floored Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton And Earned An Ejection

Patrick Beverley, a first-year Lakers point guard, is on to his on-court antics that have provided more spotlight than his game production.

Beverley, 34, a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, is known for his physical brand of basketball. He played for years overseas and joined the Houston Rockets in 2013. He was traded to the L.A. Clippers in 2017, and then to the Grizzlies in 2021. From there he jumped over to the Timberwolves, followed by the Jazz and finally landed with the Lakers in August 2022. His aggressive style of play has led to several publicized incidents throughout his NBA career. Most recently, it was the push from behind on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton.

The incident took place in the fourth quarter, towards the end of the Suns 115-105 victory over the Lakers on Tuesday night.

Suns shooting guard, Devin Booker, after a presumably clean block, finished the play with an elbow to the face that dropped Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves to the ground. After the play, moments later Suns center Ayton walked over to Reaves and stood over him in what was perceived by Beverley as taunting.

Beverley was upset the referees did not call a technical foul on Ayton and took matters into his own hands. The 11-year NBA veteran pushed Ayton from behind and sent the Suns center tumbling over Reeves. The shove from Beverley caused a stir, and players from both teams and referees scurried over to de-escalate the situation.

Referees reviewed the altercation and Booker was charged a flagrant foul 1 for his contact with Reaves while Beverley received a technical and ejected for his action. Ayton also received a technical for the taunt on Reaves.

Beverley's actions have been scrutinized by fans on social media, the TNT broadcast and Booker himself.

Beverley is a decent defender but has not produced much for the Lakers on the offensive side of the ball this season. Look for a newly healthy Dennis Schröder to start at point guard for the Lakers in the next game.