Lake Show Life
Fansided

Upcoming free agents the Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford to let walk

By Jonathan Kiernan

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a 3 point shot late in the 4th quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a 3 point shot late in the 4th quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Los Angeles Lakers Montrezl Harrell
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

Montrezl Harrell

Where some of the Los Angeles Lakers free agents have failed, Montrezl Harrell has succeeded.

The entire basketball world was shocked when the reigning 6th Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell made the jump from city rivals the Los Angeles Clippers to the 17-time NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers.

After getting one over on their bitter rivals by winning a championship, taking arguable the Clippers 3rd best player was the cherry on top.

After joining the Lakers, Trez was expected to be the bench leader, continuing to be the 6th man who set the tone and who gets the Lakers buckets when LeBron James and Anthony Davis are resting.

Harrell has done just that.

Bringing a perfect blend of energy and intensity, Trez has been the perfect bench piece for the purple and gold. He has allowed the Lakers bench to become one of the strongest in the entire NBA.

His energy is unmatched and Montrezl destroys opposing 2nd units big men around the rim using his relentless energy to finish around the rim consistently.

While Harrell does have a two-year deal with the purple and gold, the 2nd year is a player option. Given how well he has played, it is safe to say that Harrell will probably opt out of the contract and seek and new deal either with the Lakers or elsewhere in order to maximize his worth.

With the uncertainty surrounding the salary cap, it wouldn’t surprise if Harrell stayed with the Lakers for an additional year and tested free agency in 2022 but right now, we shall go under the assumption that he will opt-out.

Similar to the Dennis Schröder situation outlined earlier, it will all depend on whether Harrell is willing to do a deal that is both beneficial for him and the Lakers. If that sort of deal can be reached then Harrell stays with the purple and gold and is a fixture in the team for years to come.

If not Harrell could be one and done and could get paid this coming offseason.

Harrell and the Lakers both seem to complement each other and with Rich Paul being both Harrell, AD, and LeBron’s agent, there is a decent chance that a deal can be arranged, especially if Marc Gasol is not in the picture next season.

Home/Lakers Free Agency