Los Angeles Clippers guards Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley met with the media on Monday and were naturally asked to talk about big man Montrezl Harrell. To recall, Trez left the team in free agency and signed with the rival Los Angeles Lakers.
Harrell, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season with the Clippers, shocked the basketball world by signing a two-year, $18.9 million contract with the Lakers in unrestricted free agency.
Williams and Beverley, both of whom had close relationships with Harrell, understand the business of the NBA. However, it's pretty clear they were shocked when they heard the news that Trez was bolting the Clippers for the Lakers.
Lou Williams In Montrezl Harrell joining the Lakers – “Business is business. Trez made a decision for himself, so in that aspect, things happen and you move on from it.”#Clippers pic.twitter.com/OmKlwUdZvF
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 7, 2020
Reporter: “Did it really catch you off guard [that Montrezl Harrell joined the Lakers]?”
Patrick Beverley: “Yes.” pic.twitter.com/HCIEvI9mkH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 6, 2020
The Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2020 playoffs and lost in seven games. Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell each struggled in the series, but no one saw Harrell leaving the franchise and signing with the Lakers, who won the 2020 title over the Miami Heat in six games.
The Lakers and Clippers will play each other on opening night. Even though there won't be any fans at the game due to COVID-19, there will still be plenty of energy at Staples Center since Harrell will be going against his old teammates and the Clips will have to watch the Purple and Gold raise their 2020 championship banner.
Harrell, who will come off the bench with the Lakers, finished his Clippers career with averages of 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 221 games.
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