Los Angeles Lakers: Why a youth movement should be embraced

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Josh Hart

When you have so many guys in the Lakers young core who are going to be relied upon to score and put points on the board, you also need a guy to help anchor the defense. Having a guy like Josh Hart who is more than willing to be one of this team’s major defensive weapons could be critical.

Even after playing limited minutes during the first half of the season, Josh Hart was still able to log 7.9 points per game and shoot an effective 46 percent from the field. He also knocked down 39 percent from the 3-point line, which is pretty good for a rookie.

His efforts on defense, whether it was blocking shots, getting steals or disrupting the offense for the opposing team, that was a great sight to see for the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

As Josh Hart gets more experience under his belt, he will learn how to play this game more effectively. I can honestly see Josh Hart becoming one of the best 3-and-D players in the league. I might not love Josh Hart’s taste in video games as I am not a huge fan of Fortnite, but battle royale games aside, he is definitely a crucial piece to the Lakers future success.