Lakers: Building the ideal 10-man rotation for the 2018 season

7 – Josh Hart (SG)

I am one of many people who have been very impressed with Josh Hart’s play during Lonzo Ball’s injury. Although I expected Hart to be an x-factor after the Lakers selected him with the 30th overall pick, he is only proving to be better than I anticipated and looks to be a key player in the future for LA.

Hart’s skill set is fundamental for a contending team to have off of the bench. Hart can create his own shot as well as run the offense when he needs to. His six-foot-five frame allows him to play both guard positions and his best trait, his defense, will be huge for the Lakers off of the bench.

Hart is the perfect defensive piece to put in the second unit. Hart’s defense and smart shot selection can either stop the bleeding of an opposing team’s run or carry on some momentum that the Lakers have.

Hart does not need to score a lot off of the bench, that is what Randle is for. He does not need to be a star or to land any shoe deals. Hart simply needs to do what he does best; take smart shots and play great defense. The rest will come with him.

And something tells me as Hart progresses in the NBA he can average close to 10 points a game off of the bench. In his last five games, he is averaging 12.6 points on 59.5 percent shooting. So long that he keeps up his smart play, there is no reason he cannot achieve that.