The real cringeworthy moment of Patrick Beverley’s introductory press conference with the Lakers on Tuesday had nothing to do with Russell Westbrook.

When asked how he feels about having the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Beverley took a slight jab at his new team and hashed up their atrocious 2021-22 campaign.

“They will be playing with me,” Beverley said. “I made the playoffs last year, they didn’t. It’s a difference.”

Beverley and the Timberwolves were eliminated by the Grizzlies in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series in April. It marked the first time Minnesota reached the postseason since 2018, and the defensive-minded guard played an integral role in that pursuit.

The 33-49 Lakers failed to make the playoffs last season with a veteran roster that never jelled. Los Angeles also dealt with a number of injuries that kept their Big Three of James, Davis and Westbrook limited to 21 games together.

With the regular season six weeks away, Beverley said that he’s been talking with James and Davis.

“I’m glad that we get a chance to play with each other than anything else,” he said. “I’m excited to see it go. I’m excited to get the battling going.”

Beverley’s introductory press conference with the Lakers had some eager to hear what he would say about playing alongside Westbrook.

The guards have a history of bad blood stretching back to the 2013 playoffs, when Beverley dove into Westbrook’s knee while the latter was calling a timeout, injuring the then-Thunder star. Most recently, Beverley trolled Westbrook in a Lakers-Timberwolves game in March, when he held his nose and yelled, “He’s trash,” at the Lakers’ bench.

However, Beverley had nothing but positive things to say when asked about his fit with Westbrook on Tuesday. Westbrook attended the press conference and the two exchanged a friendly greeting.

“Super excited,” Beverley said. “… I was asked this question two, three years ago, [about] someone I always wanted to play with and [Westbrook] was the first name. I have [known] Bron since I was a baby, a rookie in this league, so obviously I want to play with him.

“But a player with that competitive spirit, that fire, that will, that dog, that nastiness, that grit, to have a running mate like that, I have never had that. So I am super excited to see where it goes.”

Beverley added that he’s “excited to have tough conversations” with Westbrook as the pair join forces in the Lakers’ backcourt.

“Obviously like any relationship or any marriage, things, we are going to have tough conversations,” Beverley said. “That is what comes with winning, but I am excited about those conversations, I am excited about the practices. I am just excited to be able to compete with someone like that.”

Beverley, who was drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2009 but never played for Los Angeles before being dealt, averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 58 games with the Timberwolves last season.

With the acquisition of Beverley, the Lakers have gained a swift point guard and much-needed defensive energy after Los Angeles ranked 21st in defense last season.