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Lakers: 3 reasons to keep Montrezl Harrell at the trade deadline

By Cameron Salce

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angles lakers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angles lakers /

It was just a few months ago that Montrezl Harrell was being lauded as the best free-agent acquisition of this past offseason. Now the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly listening to offers for him because the injury bug has bitten them badly and they are in search of a quick cure to their problems.

However, that remedy may be hard to find through a Harrell trade straight up and they are probably better off solving their issues by signing a shooter like J.J. Reddick and a big man like Andre Drummond through the buyout market.

Rather than break up a roster that was tremendously successful before the injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron James, they should try to add some lesser pieces to help keep this team afloat till they get back.

Most Lakers fans are panicking about the prospect of missing the postseason right now, but the Lakers might benefit from a new play-in system that is starting this season. They are still the four seed in the standings and are 2.5 games in front of the Blazers for the sixth seed, the last seed before the play-in tournament. They are also 6 games in front of the Warriors, who are the 10 seed, the last seed included in the playoff play-in tournament.

Even with their current losing streak and a tough stretch of schedule coming up, it is hard to imagine a scenario where the Lakers drop to the 11 seed if they stay pat at the trade deadline.

Seemingly one of their biggest trade assets would be a 27-year-old Harrell with one year left on a manageable contract or a young Kyle Kuzma.

Both Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell are too valuable for the Los Angeles Lakers to trade in desparation.

Harrell has been showing cryptic signs through his Twitter that he is hearing the trade rumors swirling around his name. He tweeted a single emoji a couple of days ago.

Then followed that up by tweeting this the next day,

While posting these confusing Twitter updates, Harrell has remained one of the only consistent Lakers on the court during this rough stretch of games. Luckily I am writing from my own opinion and I do not need to be cryptic when I say that the Lakers should keep Harrell for a few of these reasons.

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