The preseason schedule excited many because it had the neighbors in Lakers and Clippers going one-on-one. However, with no LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Marc Gasol, or Markieff Morris, fans thought it would be a dull show. But the end result said differently.
It was obvious that Montrezl Harrell in the Golden and Purple Jersey would turn heads. He was playing his debut practice game with the defending champions, and he played like one. The 26-YO stood out with his dunks and aggression against his former team.
What was the mindset of Montrezl Harrell against the Clippers?
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In the post-game interview, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year revealed, “I feel emotions, but nothing significant really. I came here with the mindset that I had a job to do tonight. I am here with my team, this is the Los Angeles Lakers. [I] had a game plan, I had to execute offense and defense, and that’s what my mind is focused on.”
"I came here with the mindset that I had a job to do." @MONSTATREZZ (13 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST) talks with @LakersReporter about facing his old team for the first time. pic.twitter.com/2vcQa6RTad
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 12, 2020
The new entrant in the team took matters in his hands as he dropped a double-double in 30 minutes of playtime. He scored 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists to make for an all-round play. Montrezl backed his play with a mix of jump shots and power dunks that left the Clippers in pieces. To support him, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kyle Kuzma made 19 and 18 point contributions, respectively.
The Lakers comfortably defeated the Clippers 87-81. Also, the cherry on the cake- another new signing in Dennis Schroder got them another double-figure point. Take a look at how elated LeBron James felt to see these players-
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Talen shows off the handles and Bron approves 💪💪
(📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/E6vk8tLUYD
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 12, 2020
How did the Lakers’ Trezz feel playing against his former mates?
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The star player further added, “As far as seeing my old teammates and communicating with those guys, I did that after the game for the most part. Lou and Pat, I spoke to before the game, because I’ve been with those guys part of my whole career… I mean, this is my job, this is where I’m at.”
Clearly, he has moved on and is all set to make a mark for the Lakers. The fact that the presence of both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George did not suppress him spoke volumes. Now one can only wonder how long is this season going to be for the Clippers if they allow the second team of Lakers (and others) to play them so hard.