Beverley reasserts Clippers are 'best team in L.A.' after win over Lakers

Patrick Beverley asserted during the preseason that his Clippers were the best team in Los Angeles. After defeating the in-city rival Lakers on Monday, he was happy to remind reporters of his claim.

"There was seven people in here on Media Day," Beverley said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "I told Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), look (around) the room, there's seven people ... watch at the end of the year (how many more there will be). Like I said about us being the best team in L.A., a lot of people don't believe me, it's fine.

"Women lie. Men lie. Numbers don't."

Beverley relished playing the villain in the win, successfully frustrating Lakers superstar LeBron James despite being approximately 7 inches shorter and nearly 100 pounds lighter.

The 6-foot-1 defensive ace was happy to go head-to-head against the four-time MVP, feeling that he had something to prove after the Miami Heat cut him in 2010 upon James' arrival.

"I played for Miami, with LeBron," Beverley said. "They cut me. I got drafted by the Lakers, they traded me to Miami. Bron got there, they cut me.

"I remember it like it was yesterday. So yeah, there's a chip on my shoulder."

Beverley finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and five steals in 36 minutes in the 113-105 victory.

The Clippers (37-29) are seventh in the Western Conference standings and sit six games ahead of the Lakers with 16 games remaining.