Report: Montrezl Harrell to sign with Los Angeles Lakers

One of the biggest questions of the NBA free agency period for the LA Clippers was whether Montrezl Harrell would remain in Los Angeles, and it appears he will. Except it will be with the Lakers.

Yes, Harrell is expected to sign a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic on Friday.

The 26-year-old is coming off paradoxically his best season in the NBA and perhaps his worst showing to date. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2019-20 season, posting career high averages in scoring (18.6 ppg) and rebounds (7.1 rpg) while helping to make the Clippers one of the deepest teams in the league.

However, the bubble went poorly for Harrell, as the death of his grandmother understandably affected him for some time, and he appeared to be somewhat out of shape in the playoffs. The Denver Nuggets exploited his defensive weaknesses and was widely considered to be one reason why the Clippers exited the playoffs early.

Of course, Harrell wasn’t the only reason the Clippers lost to the Nuggets, but it was an open question as to whether the Clippers would strongly pursue him, or if he would want to go back. It appears he wants to join forces with the crosstown rivals and defending NBA champs.

Initial reaction from a soon-to-be-former teammate, Patrick Beverley, appears to be one of shock and/or dismay.

So, we’ll see if the deal comes together, but I’m sure this one will get people talking. What do you think about this turn of events?