LeBron James slyly told NBA fans how he drew Montrezl Harrell to the Lakers from the Clippers, their crosstown rivals.
Signing Montrezl Harrell to their mid-level exception sent shockwaves across the NBA. The big man was possibly the most coveted free agent on the market except Anthony Davis, who’s expected to re-sign with the Lakers. Many believe Harrell took a gigantic paycut in order to ring-chase.
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Harrell was imperious in the 2019-20 regular season. He averaged 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
How LeBron James convinced Montrezl Harrell to sign with the Lakers
Harrell is a player LeBron has had a lot of praise even during his tenure with the Clippers. As they say, game recognizes game.
With talk of dissent in the Clippers locker room emerging after the season, the Lakers saw their chance. In LeBron’s words:
“Trezz was a next-door neighbour. We knocked on his door and said, ‘…Do you like what’s going on right here?’”
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Despite breezing through the playoffs with ease, Rob Pelinka refused to rest on the team’s laurels. His offseason endeavours have paid tons of dividends. Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard have been replaced with Dennis Schroder, Wesley Matthews, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol.
The team currently looks even better than it did at the start of 2019-20. Given how LeBron looks as good as ever, the Lakers will now be prohibitive favorites to repeat.
Harrell will make his first appearance for the Purple and Gold brigade against his former team on December 11th – the Lakers’ first preseason game. After another faceoff with them on 13th, they will travel to Phoenix to play the Suns on 16th and 18th.
