Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down each player’s role this season

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers after shooting a three point basket to win the game over Denver Nuggets in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 20, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers after shooting a three point basket to win the game over Denver Nuggets in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 20, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Sixth Man of the Year: Montrezl Harrell

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year looks ready to defend his title. Recently, videos from camp and pre-training camp pick-up games have surfaced online and Trez looks great, moving around like the offensive dynamo that won the award last year.

His defense will be assessed and analyzed throughout the year, and perhaps rightly so, as it is an area in which he needs to improve, but I believe he will get better under Frank Vogel, who has always demanded strong defense from his teams.

The Lakers need Harrell to be an offensive spark coming off the bench. This is a match made in heaven, as he’s always played that role: fast, high energy, smashmouth basketball. I can easily see him replicating the stats he put up last year, while also taking a step forward on defense.

Expect Harrell to terrorize opposing second units all year, and expect his name to be in the sixth Man of the Year Award conversation once again.