Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Takeaways from overtime loss to Spurs

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3) All Together now…1…2…3…START JOSH HART LUKE WALTON!

This isn’t funny anymore! Josh Hart needs to start. He is the only player other than JaVale McGee (more on him later) that has brought the energy and competitiveness all three games. It’s not about the 20 points he scored. It’s how the man is playing out there. DeMar DeRozan had 32 points and 14 assists but he got tired at the end of the game. WHY? Hart competed on the defensive end of the floor.

Sure, most look at the picture, but if Hart does not compete for the rebound, there is no fast break and no picture above. I mean look at this, Hart wrestles the Ball from Aldridge and DeRozan, has the presence of mind to stay in bounds, not walk and fores a half court pass that Lonzo Ball saves and that leads to the score. I’m not sure but he turned an ankle on this play. Hard work people! Hard work!

Look at this play…

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1054586596119334913

Everybody say they like to run, only some players REALLY run. When the Lakers steal the ball here, Hart hits his lane HARD! Then he gives the room for Ball to hit him with a perfect pass to finish the dunk. This may not happen if this is not done with purpose. Hart is disciplined and plays hard.

Does this convince you…

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1054567664004358144

In my opinion, KCP sits period! Basketball is about players who perform. Hart is performing, Caldwell-Pope is not. Period, point blank, next subject!