Los Angeles Lakers: How LA should divide minutes on the bench

By Jason Reed | Oct 9, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after they defeated the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on October 4, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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Josh Hart: 24 minutes

Josh Hart is another member of the Los Angeles Lakers’ young core and is another player that many would think should start on the team. Unlike his teammate in Kyle Kuzma, Hart actually has a path to starting on the Lakers. However, to open the season, Hart likely will be on the bench and will eventually work his way to the starting five.

That is because Hart’s competition at the shooting guard position is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who could be on the bench or even traded by the team the year ends.

Hart is the better all-around player and is actually a part of the Lakers’ long-term plans unlike Caldwell-Pope, who is on his second straight one-year deal. However, with Caldwell-Pope having more experience and having the three and D skill set to play alongside LeBron, he will start early in the year.

I still think that the two guys are going to split the 48 minutes right down the middle with Hart receiving time with both the starting unit and the secondary unit. Hart can facilitate like a point guard and is a great shooter along with being a great rebounder at guard.

He has the tools to be successful and will continue to showcase them this season. At first, it will be off the bench.

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