Los Angeles Lakers: Was 2017 the best rookie class ever

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Bree McGee/NBAE via Getty Images /

Josh Hart developed into a starter

The Lakers have made a habit of finding players late in the first and early second round that can come in and contribute right away.

Josh Hart, who was taken with the 30th pick of the first round is another great example of that. He showed steady improvement throughout all of last season and was arguably the teams most improved player from start to finish.

Hart was an All-American and a national champion in college, so he came into the league more seasoned than the average rookie. That was evident in his play this season, his calm demeanor made him look like a veteran at times.

The most encouraging thing about Hart’s rookie season was that he was the most consistent 3-point shooter on the team. He led the Lakers with a 39.6 shooting percentage from downtown. He also had eight double-doubles and proved he can rebound very well for a guard.

Hart’s best game was the last one of the season against the rival Los Angeles Clippers when he had 30 points and made a total of seven 3-pointers. Both of those were career highs for him and the game showed how much he improved from game 1 to 82 this season.

It was thought that it would be hard for Hart to break into the rotation at the beginning of the season, let alone the starting line up. But by the end of the season, he started 23 games and it would have been more if not for a mid-season injury that put him out for over a month.

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