Reigning Sixth-Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell will reportedly swtich sides in Los Angeles and join the Lakers according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The stunning switch leaves a hole in the Clippers, but fills the big man role for the Lakers left by Dwight Howard signing in Philadelphia. Harrell will bring a gritty toughness to the Lakers, who will still not have to play the reluctant Anthony Davis at center.
The Los Angeles Lakers are nearing a deal with Montrezl Harrell, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
The deal is reportedly for two years and $19 million according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. ESPN also says that there is an option on the second year. That is a slight payraise from the previous two-year contract with the Clippers, which was valued at $12 million. The rough and tough big man formed a niche role with the Clippers and rolling small-ball center and a nice pick and roll partner with Patrick Beverley. Now, it will be with Laker purple and gold instead.
Harrell was not a consistent option for the Clippers in the NBA restart bubble. He was forced to leave it twice for a family emergency, a delicate sitation that certainly takes pirority over basketball. But the Clippers disppointed in the bubble, partly due to not having Harrell in top shape and practice. Despite this, Harrell was still dominant enough in the regular season be named Sixth-Man of the Year. The 26-year-old University of Louisville product produced 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and one block per game for the Clippers. Those numbers will be difficult to replace for new head coach Tyronn Lue and company.
