Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons why drafting Josh Hart was the right move

Mar 15, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) speaks with the media prior to the practice session for the first round of 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) speaks with the media prior to the practice session for the first round of 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Lakers
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) shoots over Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (left) in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Offense:

Hart, 6’5-220 pounds, has always been considered a great athlete. Hart vastly improved his offensive skill set each and every season while at Villanova. His average point totals increased each season from 7.8, 10.1, 15.5, and finished his senior season with 18.7 points a game. A natural shooter, Hart’s field goal percentage never dipped below 50% during his four seasons at the collegiate level.

Though not the best part of his game, Hart can also shoot the three ball. His senior year he was shooting at a 40% clip, while his sophomore season was his best in that category at 46%. To continue, along with his shooting, Hart has the ability to create offense off the dribble and to score in transition.

The fact that Hart is a good shooter will help spread the floor for this young Lakers team when he comes off the bench to start the season. His ability to handle and pass the ball well will also give the Lakers some versatility. This gives them the opportunity to rest Lonzo Ball to keep him fresh and allowing them to trade Jordan Clarkson if Magic Johnson doesn’t believe he is part of the long-term plan in LA.