Give Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss credit once again. They made the wise decision of signing Montrezl Harrell in the offseason and it was by far the best move by any team in all of free agency. The move helped the Los Angeles Lakers take another large step forward when they signed him. The Los Angeles Clippers lost a major and integral piece when Harrell went cross town to the team that holds the crown in Los Angeles.
I don’t care what anyone says. They can keep the other free agents. Harrell has been by far one of the most consistent and hard-working players in the NBA. He gives the Lakers everything every time he is on the court. Montrezl Harrell is a rare breed of beast. A long, tall, strong, and smart athlete who plays with an edge.
Fearless and full of heart, Harrell is what the Los Angeles Lakers were missing.
Last season, his role was filled by Dwight Howard who left in the offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers. That being said, Harrel is the better of the two. More athletic, flexible, and quicker. He poses more of a threat offensively than Howard did, plus, he is the reigning sixth man of the year.
Averaging 15.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, Harrell has taken a larger part with all the injuries that have hit the Lakers. He is also shooting 63% from the field.
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There is something he possesses though that you can see when he plays the game that many others do not. It’s that warrior’s edge. He goes to battle and never backs down. Players like him are one of the reasons that teams win championships. Every team needs one.
A fearless player, that is always doing their part and more, and helping to make the team better. Memories of athletes such as the great Paul O’Neil, Scott Stevens, Ray Lewis, and A.C. Green come to mind. There is no doubt that Harrell is a lynchpin for the Lakers. A hard worker who hustles. I have said it before but if I was a coach or a GM, I would want a roster full of guys just like him.
So there you have it. These other teams may have signed other higher-profile players. However, there is no one more valuable or who has been more valuable to a team than Montrezl.
If you haven’t seen it, then either you are not watching closely or haven’t been paying attention. Much respect to Harrell.