The Los Angeles Lakers have to trim their standard roster to 15 players before opening night, but fans thinking Jaden Hardy is about to be sent packing must remember Rob Pelinka’s love for score-first players. LA traded Deandre Ayton for Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks in July. They were happy to get a couple of picks after paying a hefty price to acquire Walker Kessler. Hardy was viewed as an afterthought, but he shouldn’t be.
The 6’3 guard averaged 12.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 20.4 minutes per game over 23 contests with the Wizards last season after a midseason trade. Hardy began his career in Dallas and spent two and a half years playing with Luka Doncic. He is a career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter and is known for his confidence and ability to get buckets.
Pelinka loves score-first players. He signed Collin Sexton this summer and has a history of targeting these options. Hardy can get a bucket and space the floor. Luka needs shooting around him, and Pelinka’s desire to have this type of player may let Hardy survive the roster cutdown.
Rob Pelinka has a history of adding score-first players like Jaden Hardy
It is not just Sexton. Pelinka was hired by the Lakers in 2017, but didn’t take over as lead executive until Magic Johnson resigned in April 2019. Since then, Pelinka has brought Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk, D’Angelo Russell, Montrezl Harrell, Avery Bradley, Dion Waiters, Markieff Morris, Kendrick Nunn, Gabe Vincent, Lonnie Walker, and Dennis Schroder to the Lakers.
The Lakers' only two first-round draft picks from 2019 to 2025 were Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht. Two score-first wings who quickly went bust because they couldn't offer anything else.
Pelinka has a type. He loves bucket getters who are best as sixth men and play a limited role.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers overvalue Jaden Hardy’s type in modern NBA
Hardy fits this mold. He has never played more than 15.9 minutes per game for a full season, despite being a plus shooter. The 24-year-old had a 0.0 value over replacement player (VORP) as a rookie, and that remains his career-high. He can get buckets, but Hardy struggles on defense and offers little besides scoring and floor spacing.
Most contenders are going away from these score-first players for more well-rounded options, but not Pelinka. He keeps adding them, despite their struggles to help win games.
Hardy played just 6.8 minutes per game during the Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals run, and every minute was a rollercoaster ride for fans as they hoped his offensive contributions outweighed his negative impact on defense.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a roster full of players who dribble, pass, shoot, and defend. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander down to rookie Aday Mara, they have a ton of skill. The San Antonio Spurs are the same way. The New York Knicks just won the title by being deeper and more versatile.
Pelinka tried to follow that blueprint with his offseason retool around Luka, but his desires came out in signing Sexton and trading for Hardy. Those are two bucket-getters who won’t offer much else in terms of consistent contributions.
Jaden Hardy shouldn’t be cut if the Lakers cannot find a trade
Los Angeles has been exploring the trade market for months. They need a starting-caliber forward to round out their roster, but have been unable to find a deal. The Lakers have just three second-round draft picks and one first-round swap to trade. That is not much when trying to add a difference-maker.
The Lakers should cut Dalton Knecht or Kevon Looney before they dump Hardy. Looney is on a minimum contract and struggled last season. Los Angeles needs a backup center, but the Lakers have to move on quickly if he doesn’t look better than he did for the Pelicans. Knecht is set to make $4.2 million this season, and the Lakers could decline their team option for the 2027-28 season to move on with minimal financial risk.
Hardy is set to make $6 million, and the Lakers have a $6 million team option for next season. He gives them more salary-matching to pull off a deadline trade and is more ready for minutes than Knecht. Hardy will fire away when he gets the ball. He is loaded with confidence, and Knecht isn't the only player the 6’3 guard should be ahead of in the pecking order.
Hardy is likely ahead of Bronny James because he is more NBA-ready. Yes, there are flaws, but the Lakers want to win now. Hardy can get buckets and make an impact if his team can hide him on the defensive end.
Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers love score-first players, which improves Jaden Hardy’s chances of sticking with the franchise. There will be an open competition during training camp to secure the final roster spot. Hardy’s ability to get buckets gives him an edge. Don’t be surprised to see him stick with Los Angeles this season. Pelinka just loves a bucket-getter too much.
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