The Los Angeles Lakers came into this 2020-21 season as the betting favorites to win it all and are playing up to those expectations. They’re now 5-2 after three straight wins, the most recent of which a 108-94 victory in Memphis over the Grizzlies. The record is great when you consider how clunky the Lakers have looked at times in this season as they’re still acclimating new guys to Frank Vogel and the team’s system. One of those new guys is Montrezl Harrell, who is currently averaging 12.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 25.0 minutes per game.
Montrezl Harrell goes to work for the Lakers sometimes in high-post isolations, even turning to face his opponent straight up as opposed to backing him down. This is advantageous for Harrell as he is quicker than most big men and possesses a decent handle that can allow him to drive to the rim in these situations. Alex Regla (of the Throwdowns newsletter) reported Harrell’s response today towards getting more face-up attempts this season, drawing an interesting parallel between his previous season with the Clippers and this season with the Lakers.
“Honestly it’s just being able to play my game, not being totally set on it’s gotta be this, this or this, and it’s kinda been the system I have kinda been playing in for awhile. It’s gotta be threes, layups, or free throws. It’s not like that over here. They play to their style of everybody’s game, and we’re not looking at anyone like you got to do this, you got to do that man, we play basketball over here.”
Full quote below:
I felt Montrezl Harrell had a really interesting response to the uptick in his face-up game this season, and how the Lakers' offensive system differs to teams he has played on in the past. Harrell currently is shooting 55% on his midrange attempts, and a career high in frequency. pic.twitter.com/WcFOhbDSHL
— Alex Regla (@AlexmRegla) January 4, 2021
Harrell has attempted many spot-up mid-range jumpers out of these face-ups against big men, a shot that Frank Vogel says he has the “green light” for.
And here is what Frank Vogel had to say on Harrell's shot selection, and his philosophy of what makes a "good shot" in their system: pic.twitter.com/q3vRGcmnvZ
— Alex Regla (@AlexmRegla) January 4, 2021
Frank Vogel’s answer also seems to be in line with Harrell’s opinion of the Lakers’ playing a free-flowing game, as Vogel points out that the Lakers will take what the defense gives to them. They have more of that ability this year with much more offensive playmakers compared to last, with Harrell being one of those new playmakers that will continue to elevate the Lakers’ offense to a level they didn’t see last year.
