With LeBron James in attendance at one point to support his Los Angeles Lakers' young talent pool at the Thomas and Mack Center, “The King” personally witnessed the promising skills of incoming sophomore Josh Hart who was consistently turning heads for the Purple and Gold's Summer League squad.
In six games, the 23-year-old put up averages of 24.2 points (47.1 percent from the field), 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Hart's stellar play earned him the Summer League MVP award (the second straight year for the Lakers after Lonzo Ball last summer) and a congratulatory tweet from James, to which he immediately reciprocated with a tweet of his own.
Yessir ✊🏽✊🏽 Appreciate it my guy! https://t.co/46sFOLZjx0
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 18, 2018
The Lakers won 35 games last season and while they finished just 11th in the Western Conference, it was easily their best record since losing in the first round of the playoffs five years ago.
One of the few bright spots for the team was Hart's surprisingly good rookie campaign that belies his season average of seven points and 4.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-5 guard came back late March off an injury that sidelined him for 14 games by wrapping up the last eight with 16.5 points and 7.1 boards while converting 49 percent of his shots from the field as well as 39 percent of his attempts from behind the arc (including 7-of-9 on his final game).
This, combined with his aforementioned Summer League performances, has Magic Johnson hinting that Hart may start for the team next season. The Lakers did re-sign swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year deal, though, and added guard Lance Stephenson as well, so the backcourt may be a little crowded.
But things are definitely looking in the up and up for the second year pro.
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