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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons Josh Hart can win Most Improved Award

By Nick Ziegler

LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 17: Josh Hart #5 and Magic Johnson President of Basketball Operations of the Los Angeles Lakers talk before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 17, 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 17: Josh Hart #5 and Magic Johnson President of Basketball Operations of the Los Angeles Lakers talk before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 17, 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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Los Angeles Lakers
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) /

– More playing time

As a rookie last season, Hart obviously didn’t get a ton of playing time right away. In the first two months of the season, Hart averaged less than 15 minutes per game, but he finally saw some more consistent playing time starting December.

Prior to the All-Star break, Hart averaged 21.0 minutes, 6.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. While those numbers weren’t eye-popping, Hart did provide the Lakers with solid production on both ends of the court.

However, after the All-Star break, Hart looked like a very confident player and played extremely well. In 11 games after the break, Hart averaged 33.6 minutes, 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

Seeing the difference in statistics from before and after the All-Star break could be a good indication of what is to come for Hart. If Hart is able to perform like he did after the All-Star break for all of next season, he will certainly be in the running for the Most Improved Player Award.

While Hart is deserving of playing time, he will have to work hard for it. The Lakers have a lot of veteran depth on the team now, but Hart’s versatility as a defender should help him fit nicely with most players on the team.

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