How the Roster Changes Will Impact Josh Hart

Josh Hart was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft and is entering his second year on the Los Angeles Lakers. Hart played 23.2 minutes per game as a rookie, averaged 7.9 points per game and had a 59.6 true shooting percentage. Just as a rookie, Hart was able to come in and score at a very efficient clip.

Then, this year’s summer league came, and Hart was ridiculous. He averaged 24.2 points per game and won the MVP of the entire league, leading the Lakers squad to 2nd place. Hart dropped 37 points with nine rebounds in a double-overtime semifinal win over Cleveland. He nearly shot 50 percent from the field over the six-game stretch.

Even though Hart wasn’t a vital part of the Lakers last season, this year he will have the chance to win a starting spot next to LeBron and co. His ability to score off the dribble and to knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers while playing proficient perimeter defense makes him an excellent commodity. He already has chemistry with the Lakers’ young core and has the confidence and work ethic to continue to get better.

While a common complaint about the additions that came after LeBron has been that they are ball dominant offensive players that are not the best of defenders, the Lakers can find stability in a ‘3-and-D’ role player like Hart. The mold that his skill-set fits is universally cohesive and is maximized by having supporting talent that can make plays with the ball.

The versatility that Hart brings to the table will allow Los Angeles to field some interesting lineup combinations that space the floor around James and the point guard spot. Many have said that a theme from LeBron led teams are that there is typically a point when he just takes over the playmaking responsibility and needs spot-up threats around him. Hart could be one of those options if that’s what ends up happening.