Los Angeles Lakers: Each young players' most-needed improvement

Los Angeles Lakers: Each young players’ most-needed improvement

By Jason Reed | Sep 1, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Josh Hart: Athleticism

Josh Hart has all the tools to be one of the best sixth men in the league next season and will most likely fight his way to a starting job by the turn of the calendar year. While Kentavious Caldwell-Pope does fit the prototypical three and D mold for LeBron James, Hart is the all-around more talented shooting guard.

Hart proved how good he could be last season when he stepped up for an injured Lakers team. Despite averaging in the single digits in every metric for the overall season, Hart posted nine double-doubles last season.

From the beginning of February to the end of the season, Hart averaged 14.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Hart is a tad small for a shooting guard, however, asking him to grow another three inches is obviously not possible. However, what Hart can work on is his athleticism to make him a factor against the best teams in the West.

Hart did play well last season but there were times where he seemed to lack that first step explosiveness to keep up with the rest of the league. When he played against other bench units and other young players in the Summer League he was great. Improving his athleticism will only make him better.

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