Mar 8, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the second half at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Clippers 112-100. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Montrezl Harrell is staying in Los Angeles (and the Staples Center), but with the other team. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Harrell has agreed to a two-year (with an option in the second year), $19 million-plus contract with the Lakers, after spending the past three seasons with the Clippers.

Harrell, 26, was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2019-20 season. The 6’7″ center/power forward averaged 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 63 games for the Clippers. His 23.2 Player Efficiency Rating ranked 16th in the NBA (and was actually a lower mark than his previous two seasons).

The University of Louisville product is a high-effort, energetic player who will be a terrific boost to the frontcourt depth of the defending NBA champions alongside LeBron James, (likely) Anthony Davis, and company.

And it could be a big loss in the same department for the Clippers. The Clippers’ Patrick Beverley has already made his frustration clear on Twitter:

The ever-increasing Clippers-Lakers rivalry may go up another level in the 2020-21 season.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.