Lakers: Why Montrezl Harrell should be getting playing time

We saw that Montrezl Harrell was not getting his proper playing time a few times at the end of the regular season and to be quite honest, I don’t think many of us understand this process or why Frank Vogel and the Los Angeles Lakers have chosen to do this.

Now, I will give Vogel so much credit as I feel he is by far one of the most underrated coaches in all of the NBA and did a great job this season holding the team together with all that went on. That being said, we are always going to find things that we disagree with and this is one of them.

Harrell was one of the Lakers’ best players all season long as he averaged13.5 points per game and 6.2 rebounds. Most importantly, he gave the Lakers that extra tough edge that all teams are in need of as he is a fearless competitor who loves to get down and dirty.

Montrezl Harrell helped the Los Angeles Lakers when they needed it most.

There are many that feel that it has to do with the type of offense the Lakers have been using during this battle with the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are playing more of an up-tempo, long shooting offense and to be quite honest, it hasn’t always worked at times as we have seen the Lakers struggle from the three-point area.

Backup center Marc Gasol has received the green light and has played much more than Harrell. Is it because of his experience or his ball-handling skills or perhaps his three-point shot? Whatever the case may be, it sure is disheartening because I feel the Lakers could be benefitting from Harrell’s talents. Especially with the current Anthony Davis situation.

With tonight being a win-or-go-home situation for the Lakers in Game 6, I wonder if we shall see Harrell get some time. Especially if Anthony Davis does not play or is limited. While Gasol has played decently during this time, Harrell of course brings a much different ability to the team.

He is a better low post player and has a lot more of a physical edge to him than the more cerebral Gasol.  For that alone, Harrell should be getting more burn. The Lakers desperately need that physical and mental fearless edge that he brings with him.

Against players such as Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton, it would be a great benefit to the team. Harrell may not have as good a shot as Gasol but he makes up for it in so many other ways. We must also remember the great regular season that he had and all that he did for the team.

Harrell has been a real class act as he is always standing and cheering on his team no matter what. One can only hope that he is put in a place to contribute this evening.