Los Angeles Lakers: Questions that must be answered before the season
By Jason Reed
2. What is Josh Hart’s role going to be?
Josh Hart’s stock has risen drastically after his great performance in the NBA Summer League. This great performance is coming right off a season where Hart stepped up big time in Lonzo Ball’s absence and proved that he is yet another great late-round draft pick from the Lakers.
In a nutshell, Hart is essentially the Lakers’ new Jordan Clarkson. He serves as a combo guard that can come in off the bench and make plays happen. Hart is a much better rebounder and defender than Clarkson, though.
Right off the bat, if you ask any Laker fan who the starting shooting guard will be next season I guarantee that most will say Hart. However, I do not think that answer is as clear as many may think.
The starting nod may be given to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who fits that three and D mold alongside LeBron James and is even signed to the same agency, Klutch Sports.
Plus, Luke Walton is all about how certain units work together. He opted to start Larry Nance Jr. over Randle to start last season due to Randle’s chemistry in the second unit. If he sees Hart thriving alongside Rajon Rondo and the rest of the Lakers’ bench, he may give him the bulk of the bench minutes.
Regardless, it is unclear what exactly the Lakers plan will be at the shooting guard position and where Hart fits in on the roster. All we know is that his role should be significant.