Lakers Rumors: Montrezl Harrell is linked to the Charlotte Hornets!
The Lakers have their backs against the wall at the center position. Lake Show Life warned that the addition (Marc Gasol!) by subtraction (Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee!) offseason decision may come back to bite the front office. Now that Davis, Gasol and James are gone from the lineup for the foreseeable future with the waiving of Damian Jones, the Lake Show is small…REAL SMALL!
While Harrell has filled an important spot in the rotation, the team’s front office heads into the deadline in a tricky situation. Even though Trezl has played very well on the offensive end scoring the ball, his pick and roll gets exposed and plays like this keep the coaching staff up at night.
https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1373825509612605441
Harrell solid play and contract makes him a valuable trade asset who could bring in a good return and Drummond’s arrival could make him more expendable following the expected buyout.
Possible trade scenario with the Charlotte Hornets:
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Lakers are willing to entertain offers on Harrell as the deadline approaches.
"“Charlotte has also called the Lakers about Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles’ bruising center, sources said, and the reigning champions appear willing to entertain offers.”"
There are two things that need to be pointed out here.
- One, the Hornets, tried to sign Harrell during the offseason before Harrell turned them down and joined the Lakers.
- Two, these rumors conveniently came out AFTER the Hornets lost LaMelo Ball for the season with a broken right wrist.
Despite the 18-37 long-distance shooting performance in the Pelicans game, the Lakers need shooting just as bad as a center. What shooter does Charlotte have to give to the Lakers that is worth Harrell? Before last weekend, Devonte’ Graham, a restricted free agent, may have been a viable option when Ball replaced him as a starter. Now that LaMelo is gone, the Hornets will keep him for the playoff run. Malik Monk? No. Bismack Byombo? PFFT!
The only way the Hornets could provide what the Lakers need is by way of working a three-team deal when they can acquire Harrell and send draft capital to a third-party who provides the Lakers with the shooter that they’re looking for (Example: Norman Powell or Terrence Ross).
To anyone thinking that Hornets guard Terry Rozier is an option, forget it. Charlotte deems him untouchable the way he is playing this season and his price tag is too high for the Lakers hard cap budget.
Over/Under for Harrell getting moved: Under.
Montrezl Harrell is not going anywhere! For all of his shortcomings on defense, good luck finding a player on the trade or buyout market that provides what he does. Plus with LeBron and AD out, the Lakers really need him now.