Los Angeles Lakers trade back for 30th pick in 2017 NBA Draft, pick Josh Hart
After acquiring the 30th selection from the Utah Jazz in a trade, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Villanova shooting guard, Josh Hart.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy tonight. They selected Lonzo Ball second overall and Kyle Kuzma with the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Lakers also owned the 28th pick, but they have traded the pick.
This was the second trade of the 2017 NBA Draft that the Lakers made. The first came Tuesday and became official tonight. The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the 27th pick.
In their second trade, the Lakers traded the 28th pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for the 30th and 42nd overall selections. With the 28th pick, the Jazz selected North Carolina center, Tony Bradley. With the 30th pick, the final selection of the first round, the Lakers selected Villanova shooting guard, Josh Hart.
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Hart is an excellent selection by the Lakers. There is a ton to like about him. While he may not necessarily excel in one area and is knocked for his lack of athleticism, he does a lot of things very well on a basketball court to make up for his shortcomings.
Hart’s basketball IQ is extremely high. He is a very smart player, which he combines with physicality and tough play. His defense is strong, which you love to see from young players. He was very productive for the Wildcats in four seasons, as he stuffed the stat sheet.
He didn’t shoot below 50 percent in any season with Villanova. He has range on his three-point shot as well, which is something the Lakers need. In addition to his scoring prowess, Hart is also an excellent rebounder for a guard. He is also a capable playmaker and passer.
Hart is able to do a little bit of everything. He should fit in well with the Lakers second unit as a somewhat of a combo guard. The Lakers will love having him on their roster. He will get everyone else to compete as well, and he will bring a winning attitude along with him.
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Along with Ball, the Lakers are getting two young facilitators that know how to win. This young Lakers squad has not experienced much winning at the NBA level, but with players such as Hart, Kuzma, and Ball joining the roster, the wins should be coming sooner than later.