The injury-stricken Lakers have relied on Montrezl Harrell to lead their side for the most part of the season. He has provided the defensive solidity and offensive stability to a side that has sorely missed its stalwarts. However, Harrell’s individual support had always been his grandmother.
Montrezl Harrell’s grandmother passed away in August last year when he was playing for the LA Clippers. It was a tough time for him both in the professional and personal world. Even the league was undergoing a hasty resumption due to unprecedented circumstances.
On Friday night, Harrell tweeted a message paying his respects to his grandmother. He said, “Missing my best friend! Love you MA!”. In past interviews, Harrell has repeatedly mentioned how much she meant to him and that she was the reason he started playing professionally.
Missing my best friend! Love you MA!
— Montrezl Harrell (@MONSTATREZZ) April 3, 2021
In some press conferences, the 27-year-old reiterated how much his grandmother supported him. He said, “My grandmother was the one who introduced me to the game of basketball, was my dad’s mother. One of my biggest supporters, biggest fans, one of my best friends. Only way to put it. There’s no other way to explain the things she done for me.
He continued, “My grandmother bought me so many of the toddler little basketball hoops that she would hang up around the house. I destroyed, I don’t know, thousands of those things.”
Montrezl Harrell powering through emotional distress and leading the Lakers
With a severely shorthanded roster, the LA Lakers have looked up to Harrell to provide the necessary ammunition. He has done so by leading the side from the front, providing match-winning performances in every game.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call
He has garnered praise from many veterans and legends alike. Even his teammates have commented on how he leads their offense in the absence of AD and LeBron.
The LA Lakers are fourth in the Western Conference standings. At the moment, they are well in contention for the playoff spots. Moreover, with AD and LeBron James set to return in a month’s time, the Lakers find themselves in a favorable position to defend their title.
Read More: Montrezl Harrell “Feels Good To Get Back in the Winning Column” Without LeBron and Anthony Davis
