Lakers News: Lonzo Ball is set to return; who it helps, who it hurts

HURTS — Josh Hart

Josh Hart has stepped up and played a big role for the Los Angeles Lakers after Lonzo Ball went down with his MCL injury. Prior to the Lakers losing three straight games to close out the first half, Hart was a huge component in the Lakers surprisingly short stretch of success without Lonzo Ball.

The Lakers first won four straight games from January 19 to January 26, a four-game stretch that Hart had little impact on. However, on the team’s second four-game win streak from February 2 to February 8, Hart stepped up and arguably led the Lakers to those victories.

Hart recorded three points-rebounds double-doubles in that stretch and averaged 13.5 points and 11 rebounds on 63.3 percent shooting. As soon as the Lakers got Isaiah Thomas the team lost three straight games and Hart’s production fell to 10.7 points and three rebounds.

Immediately, it is obvious that acquiring Thomas had a negative effect on Hart’s performance. With Lonzo Ball coming back, and the Luke Walton likely experimenting with a Ball-Thomas backcourt, Hart is going to get way fewer minutes despite arguably playing better than Thomas.

Hopefully, the situation irons itself out over time. The Lakers could use Hart’s defense on the court and he has more than proven his worth to the starting five. Now, it is just a matter of time when the Lakers realize that he is a better starting option than Isaiah Thomas.