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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Montrezl Harrell should opt-in this summer

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 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 12: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 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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(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers are NBA Championship contenders, after all

If there is one team that is easier to run it back with it is a contending team. Despite losing in the first round to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers are absolutely a contending team and are one of the best contending teams heading into next season.

When healthy, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still the hardest duo to contain in the league (sorry, Brooklyn fans). Just look at the games where the Lakers were actually healthy. Games 2 and 3 of the first round were the most vulnerable the Suns have looked all playoffs. It was because of LeBron and AD.

If the Lakers were a bottom-tier team then it would be easier to opt-out and sign with a better team. However, he is already part of a championship locker room. If he is going to get the same offer in free agency then might as well play it out and try and win an NBA Championship.

Of course, it goes without saying that if Montrezl Harrell is truly unhappy with the Lakers then he should find a new team to play for. Nothing outweighs a player’s happiness and mental health and if Harrell thinks he will be in a better place somewhere else then that should absolutely be what he does, and more power to him.

Next. 1 trade target from each non-playoff team. dark

But if the decision is relying on money and contending status then the decision is easy: stay with the Lakers one more season and run it back.

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