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Los Angeles Lakers: Josh Hart continues his Summer League success

By Jessica Slate

LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 10: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media after the game against the New York Knicks during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 10: Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media after the game against the New York Knicks during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers were able to win once again in Las Vegas, and their sophomore star, Josh Hart, continued to perform well.

Josh Hart of the Los Angeles Lakers has been continually proving himself at NBA Summer League 2018. He’s second overall in the tournament, averaging 23.3 points per game. While he isn’t a rookie, the NBA sophomore has helped the Lakers go win 4-0 this tournament.

On Thursday, July 12, the Lakers faced their Staples Center roommates, the Los Angeles Clippers. From the beginning of the second-round bracket game the Lakers took the lead.

Hart established himself by displaying his versatility. Known for his consistent defense, he took it to the next level with a steal and break-away dunk. Continuing his offensive show, Hart drove into the paint for a left-handed baby hook.

At halftime Hart had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 dunk. As a productive member of the regular season Lakers’ roster, some believe he is too good to be at Summer League. In the halftime broadcast, ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla even said, “He’s a school yard bully.”

Love him or hate him, Hart showed up to Summer League eager to contribute. Even after being ranked 12th in the NBA for scoring two or more catch-and-shoot plays per game (higher than Klay Thompson and C.J. McCollum), his attitude doesn’t reflect his superiority.

The Lakers took home the win over the Clippers, moving forward to the quarterfinals. Throughout the victory, Hart showcased that he is more than just a three-and-D player. Branching out from shooting beyond the arc, his ability to penetrate and score was unmatched. Hart’s final stats were 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

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Doris Burke wasn’t wrong in saying that he’s “been there, done that.” Two short of the Summer League record, this is the Lakers’ 10th consecutive win. Josh Hart is the only Laker to be a part of all of those wins. The Lakers and Hart will play again on Sunday, July 15, against the winner of Detroit vs. Chicago.

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