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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Players who have to step up without Josh Hart

By Kenneth Teape

EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Josh Hart #5, Brook Lopez #11 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers huddle up during an all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Josh Hart #5, Brook Lopez #11 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers huddle up during an all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Players who have to step up without Josh Hart
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

No. 2: Isaiah Thomas

The Lakers acquired Isaiah Thomas from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a deadline deal. Since arriving in Los Angeles, he has been okay. His performance has been better than it was with the Cavaliers, but nowhere near the level, he played at with the Boston Celtics when he was in the MVP running last season.

Thomas is unlikely to reach that MVP-caliber level, but the Lakers need him to improve, especially with Hart sidelined. With Hart out, Thomas will undoubtedly see his minutes increase. He is averaging 22.7 minutes per game, and that could move closer to 25-28 without Hart being in the lineup.

Thomas and Hart aren’t similar players at all. However, Thomas will be counted on to help replace those minutes. His scoring prowess will be needed, as the Lakers defense will take a hit without Hart in the lineup. They are hoping that drop in defense can be evened out with an increase in offensive production.

Thus far with the Lakers Thomas is averaging 13.2 points on 39.3 percent shooting and 31.3 percent from deep. He is adding 4.3 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game. Those numbers have to improve if the Lakers want to continue their success without Hart.

This will be an important stretch of games for Thomas. The impending free agent was hoping to land a max contract this summer. That looks unlikely at this point, but helping the Lakers win some games down the stretch and helping replace Hart could go a long way to changing that.

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