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Los Angeles Lakers: Josh Hart fractures hand in practice

By Kenneth Teape

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bree McGee/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bree McGee/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Josh Hart will be sidelined with a fractured metacarpal in his left hand.

The Los Angeles Lakers are riding a three-game winning streak as things look to be coming together. The roster is healthy, as Lonzo Ball returned to the lineup last week to get the team back to full strength. However, the healthy roster didn’t last long.

According to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, Lakers rookie shooting guard Josh Hart suffered a fracture to his left hand. The 4th metacarpal on his left hand was fractured. The team is evaluating different options, including surgical or non-surgical procedures.

The injury occurred during practice on Wednesday, as he had to leave practice to get x-rays.

Earlier in the season Larry Nance Jr. also suffered a fracture to his left hand. His fracture was on the first metacarpal, and he was sidelined for 11 games. That is a good baseline for Hart, as three weeks of recovery is usually needed for metacarpal fractures.

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This is a tough blow for Hart and the Lakers. Hart was playing well since being inserted into the lineup for Ball when he injured his knee. The team was clicking with him in the lineup, as the starting five of Hart, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Brook Lopez was playing very well.

With Hart sidelined, there are a number of different things head coach Luke Walton can do. Ball could be reinserted into the starting lineup, reclaiming the starting point guard spot. Isaiah Thomas is also an option for the starting spot.

Regardless of who enters the starting lineup, someone will have to be added to the rotation. Hart averaged 32.1 minutes per game in February, playing at least 24 minutes in every game. With him sidelined, Tyler Ennis or Alex Caruso could soak up some minutes.

The Lakers could also add someone to the roster, as they have another spot open with Corey Brewer is reportedly being bought out. Brewer would have been another option to get some minutes with Hart sidelined.

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Replacing Hart will not be easy. He brings a lot to the table, as he produces on both ends of the court. Depending on the treatment plan that he receives will determine how long Hart is out of the lineup for.

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