Los Angeles Lakers: Montrezl Harrell is worth every penny and more

“My name is Gladiator.” – Maximus Decimus Meridius

There is something very special about this current Los Angeles Lakers team. They have talented players up and down the roster. Montrezl Harrell is one of those players. He possesses something special in his game. He can play defense, rebound, and score but there is something much more to him.

Harrell plays the game with a style that is rare. It sort of reminds me of the heydays in the late ’90s and early 2000s when there was more clang and bang going on. The good ole days when you could get away with an elbow here and there and players were allowed to get more physical.

He is not afraid to get physical with anyone. Harrell plays the game with this no-fear approach. You can see it in his eyes. He’s got that thing that most players lack. You can call it heart and hustle but perhaps it is a bit more. (He kind of reminds me of Maximus from the film Gladiator).

Montrezl Harrell gives the Los Angeles Lakers an old-school swagger.

Signing Montrezl Harrell in the offseason was one of the best moves in all of free agency. After all, he is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year and was a very integral part of the Los Angeles Clippers team.

The Lakers needed a player of his caliber, especially after Dwight Howard departed for Philadelphia. Harrell fills that role and more. He is more valuable than Howard was in many ways especially on the offensive side of the ball and when it comes to foul shooting.

So far this season, he is averaging 13.7 points a game along with 7.1 rebounds, which matches his average from last year. He has found a very nice role in the Laker offense and has been one of their unsung heroes. There have only been three games this season in which he has not scored in double digits.

I am looking forward to tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers as the Lakers hope to continue their undefeated run on the road. It will be very interesting to see how things go especially when and if Harrell and Dwight Howard are in the game at the same time.