Lakers Rumors: Predicting each Rookies’ stat-line next season

Josh Hart

Predicted stat-line: 12.5 PPG, 1.1 APG, 3.0 RPG, 0.8 SPG

Josh Hart will have a great year off the bench for the Lakers, evident by my predictions of his stat-line. With the Lakers dealing Russell they now become thin at guard. Jordan Clarkson must move back to shooting guard, and with Nick Young opting out of his contract, the Lakers only have David Nwaba and Tyler Ennis off the bench.

Both of these guys are feel good stories and have shown some sparks, yes, but they are not viable options for a team’s only two bench options. Because of this, Hart will get a hearty amount of minutes off the bench, perhaps even being the team’s sixth man in backing up Jordan Clarkson.

Hart, being a great scorer, will be the leader of the second unit and will give the Lakers scoring off the bench. Quite frankly, 12.5 points may be undercutting his potential, however, with the Lakers easing him into playing time the early portions of the season may hurt Hart’s numbers.

Still, Hart shot 57.9% from in front of the arc while 40.4% from behind the arc in his rookie season. Standing in at six-foot-five, Hart may be one of the most developed talents in the draft and will have the easiest transition into the NBA.

Josh Hart has a great chance of being a late round sleeper pick that we talk about for years to come. This will start off with a great rookie campaign.