The NBA is back and the opening night of the preseason featured the Los Angeles Clippers against the Los Angeles Lakers, and Montrezl Harrell's first meeting against his former team did not disappoint early.

Harrell was facing up on Kawhi Leonard in the second quarter. When he decided to take a jump shot, Leonard quickly responded with a “Hell Naw!” It was an appropriate shade too, considering Harrell absolutely bricked it.

 

Despite the missed jump shot, Harrell was having a strong outing, leading the game in rebounds with 12, while adding nine points early in the third quarter.

Harrell will provide the Lakers with some much-needed rebounding and mobility at the power forward/center position. He is coming off a breakout season, winning the Sixth Man of the Year trophy after averaging career-highs of 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in only 27.8 minutes off the bench.

He, however, surprisingly jumped ship and joined the Purple and Gold this offseason.

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With the addition of Harrell and Dennis Schroder, the expectations are championship or bust for the Lakers. All eyes will be on the two additions to be impact guys and give LeBron James and Anthony Davis ample support.

The Clippers, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from losing key pieces like Harrell, Landry Shamet, and JaMychal Green, while incorporating new acquisitions Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum.

This rivalry between the two LA squads will continue this upcoming season after failing to materialize in the last NBA Playoffs, and the sudden move of Montrezl Harrell to the reigning champions will only make things even more intriguing.