Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James is gone for weeks… What’s next
By Ronald Agers
The Los Angeles Lakers need Montrezl Harrell to keep his cool!
Montrezl Harrell is this writer’s favorite player on the Los Angeles Lakers roster. Talk about Harrell’s efforts with disrespect in the comment section is usually done at the reader’s risk. Nobody on the team plays with more energy and works harder than Trezl.
But he has a major flaw in his game. His emotions. If he doesn’t get calls, he complains to the referees (More than LeBron and this is saying something!). He gets technical fouls that will affect his reputation in the postseason.
When he signed his two-year $19 million contract this offseason, he had to have championship aspirations playing next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Both are gone for an extended period of time and his role is about to change dramatically. The Lakers tried to run plays through Harrell and the Hawks broadcast team did a poor job of hiding their glee.
If the Lakers’ shooters continue to struggle, opponents will pack the paint and dare them to shoot. This will affect Harrell’s production. Also, if you took time to see the highlights above, more than likely other NBA teams have too. It’s a lot harder when teams move you up the scouting report for NBA games. Trezl just skyrocketed to near the top of the list.
Finally, Montrezl Harrell will have to amp up his attention to detail on the defensive end. He will be counted on to make precise rotations to help out on the defensive backline to at least put a body in front for potential charges. Even if Marc Gasol returns, he will be brought out of the paint for 3 point shooting from opposing centers.
Finally, his social media post a couple of weeks ago that got even Jeanie Buss’ attention over the All-Star break can’t be ignored. The Lakers need Trezl to keep his cool just as much as his production.
Who’s at the top of the scouting report? Read on to see who that is…