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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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1. Montrezl Harrell’s presence is great for the locker room and can be a leader on the floor in the absence of AD and LeBron

It is clear by watching the Lakers since LeBron’s injury that someone on the roster is going to need to step up and be the vocal leader on the floor while he is out. Montrezl fits that build as a player the rest of the team can rally around in the locker room and on the floor.

LeBron is usually the quarterback of the defense being able to direct others on the floor where to go and rotate to make the Lakers function as one of the best defenses in the league. Harrell is not known for his defense, but he has been better than advertised this season, and has the capabilities to be the vocal captain on that side of the ball.

These leadership intangibles are part of what has made Montrezl Harrell a Lakers fan favorite in such a short time in the purple and gold. Judging from afar he seems like a player that others enjoy playing with because he usually is one of the first ones off of the bench to pick up a teammate or pump them up after a big play.

Even the highest-ranking official in the Lakers organization, Jeanie Buss, can’t help but admire Harrell because of his ability to deal with his personal struggles off the court and still being able to play well on it.

Harrell got Buss to attend her first Lakers this season because he was struggling dealing with the loss of his grandmother and the Lakers front office wanted to be there to support him.  She said,

"“I wasn’t doing it for any other reason than to have that moment with him to let him know he was important to me,” Buss said. “I think the story really should be about all the heart and energy that he’s brought to our team. He’s just been so terrific and I appreciate him so much.”"

Next. 50 greatest Lakers of all-time. dark

Usually, if your boss has a ton of praise for you and your character, it is unlikely that you are to be fired. Harrell being traded also seems unlikely after you read that quote coming from the owner of the franchise.

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