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Los Angeles Lakers: Five takeaways from the first five games

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Josh Hart is the deserving starting shooting guard

We all knew Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was going to be the starting shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers to start the season. Caldwell-Pope fits the Three and D LeBron James teammate description to a tee. With Josh Hart being the more versatile player, it made sense to start KCP in the lineup.

What we also knew, at least here at LA Sports Hub, was that it would only be a matter of time before Hart starting knocking on the door for the starting job. Hart showed great stretches of production when he got more minutes last season and was the NBA Summer League MVP.

What we did not know is that Hart would be the deserving starting shooting guard after just five games. Hart has been in the starting lineup the last two games and has been significantly better than KCP has been thus far.

The promising stretches of play have proven to be much more than just promise. Hart has carried his hot play into the regular season, averaging 15.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.

Not only is Hart the better player, but he is also better at KCP’s job than he is. Hart has made 13 of his 29 three-point attempts (44.8 percent) while KCP has made four of his 16 attempts (25 percent). Hart’s 111 defensive rating is eight ticks better than KCP’s defensive rating.

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