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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) dribbles against Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense:

Something clearly lacking from last year’s Lakers team was defense. Teams scored 104.6 points against them per game last year while shooting 45% from the field. Teams also shot close to 35% from three while making 10 three pointers a game against the struggling Lakers D.

Hart has always been a tough defender and showed that in the biggest moments with the Villanova Wildcats. He’s a high effort defender always moving around on the floor to help out his teammates. He’s not afraid to contest shooters and doesn’t give up on plays defensively, which the Lakers will fall in love with. He plays defense with anticipation and outsmarts opposing players.

Next: Complete First Round Grades

Last season, he averaged 1.5 steals a game along with 6.4 rebounds. If Hart can provide the Lakers with solid minutes coming off the bench this season, this pick will definitely have been a steal. He will contribute with shooting, leadership, and aggressive defense which is extremely needed. Watch Hart begin his NBA journey July 7th when the summer league gets underway in Las Vegas.