Los Angeles Lakers: How the young talent fits with LeBron James
By Jacob Doole
Josh Hart
Much like Kuzma, Josh Hart has the one skill that never goes astray – shooting. As an added bonus, he’s even better than his fellow sophomore from outside.
In his first campaign Hart shot 39.6 percent from deep, a solid starting point for any rookie. Dig deeper, and his profile fits alongside LeBron even better; he hit 40.7 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3’s, and 41.0 percent of his wide-open looks.
At the start of last season, it was Hart’s defense that earned him a place in the rotation. He is a reliable presence on that end, willing to make the effort plays that others may shirk.
While he showcased improved rebounding and playmaking last season, it is those two core skills that will keep him in the rotation on this year’s revamped roster.
Hart is a prototypical 3-and-D wing. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, he hits the shots that he’s meant to hit, and he gives relentless effort on defense.
He is exactly the kind of young player that would complement a contending team, be it in a starting role or off the bench.