New Laker Montrezl Harrell Delivers Stern Message on Facing Clippers in Preseason

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated their city rivals in the pre-season opener. The Clippers played with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but couldn’t find a solution for Frank Vogel’s team. Yes, both superstars gave the Clippers a lead at one point of the game, but the Lakers’ bench did its thing and finished the game with an 87-81 win. Kyle Kuzma and the rest of the guys did a good job. How does newly-acquired Laker Montrezl Harrell feel about his first game against his former team?

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year winner confronted his former team, but he knows it’s all business. He didn’t think about anything else. Montrezl is a Laker now, and winning a title with his new team is a priority now.

Newly-signed Laker Montrezl Harrell is ready for the challenge

When asked about the mindset he had entering the game, Harrell said he didn’t consider the game to “exchange pleasantries” with his former team.

“I came here with the mindset that I had a job to do tonight. I’m here with my team, which is the Los Angeles Lakers,” Harrell said. “This wasn’t a come out, ‘hey, how you guys doing?’ laughing it up. Nah. I had a job, and I have a mindset of what I came here to do.”

Harrell had great game Friday. He finished the pre-season opener with 13 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 31 minutes. What’s better than finishing your first game with a new team with a double-double? Harrell was one of the best Lakers players in the game. Let’s not forget that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis sat out the game. Markieff Morris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope didn’t play, too.

Why did Harrell turn down the opportunity to sign a contract extension with the Clippers? He didn’t just turn down the offer but also signed with the city rivals.

Harrell wouldn’t say anything about this. He is doing his best to fit in the Lakers roster. From what we can see, he likes his new role. The Lakers bench won a game. Imagine the team’s dominance with both LeBron and AD on the basketball court.