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Los Angeles Lakers: Three effects of Josh Hart’s great Summer League

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Nnanna Egwu #52 of the Detroit Pistons during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Nnanna Egwu #52 of the Detroit Pistons during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will see fewer minutes

Chances are that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will still be the starting shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers next season, at least at the beginning of the season.

Caldwell-Pope’s established position in the league, as well as his ability to act as a three and D guard, may give him the edge when it comes to playing alongside LeBron James. Plus, it also helps that Caldwell-Pope is represented by the same agency as LeBron, Klutch Sports.

However, Hart has played his way into the discussion for the starting shooting guard. With a strong performance in the preseason, Hart may not yet get the starting nod, but actually play more minutes than Caldwell-Pope.

Hart could serve as the Lakers’ seventh man behind Kyle Kuzma but still see about 26-28 minutes to Caldwell-Pope’s 20-22. This will keep Caldwell-Pope better rested to serve the one purpose he has on the starting unit and gives Hart an avenue to excel in the first and the second unit.

If Hart keeps performing well, Luke Walton and the Lakers are going to have no choice than to start him over the one-year, $12 million man, Caldwell-Pope. As it stands right now, Hart has already made his case for more minutes.

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