{"id":10585,"date":"2017-10-16T08:00:54","date_gmt":"2017-10-16T12:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=10585"},"modified":"2017-10-15T20:44:44","modified_gmt":"2017-10-16T00:44:44","slug":"josh-hart-los-angeles-lakers-secret-weapon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2017\/10\/16\/josh-hart-los-angeles-lakers-secret-weapon\/","title":{"rendered":"Josh Hart is the Los Angeles Lakers Secret Weapon"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today’s NBA, there is one key factor that separates the good from the bad. Whether it be the Utah Jazz<\/a>, San Antonio Spurs<\/a> or the Golden State Warriors<\/a>, defense is key. Josh Hart’s<\/a><\/strong> defense\u00a0makes him the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> secret weapon. Selected 30th overall in this years draft, Hart is currently a role player in Los Angeles. However, the rookies’ skill set makes him a potential impact player for the Lakers.<\/p>\n

Josh Hart is the Los Angeles Lakers Secret Weapon<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Defense is Key\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the leagues worst defensive teams last season, the Lakers drafted Hart to help in that area. Ranked 26th in opposition three-point percentage, Los Angeles<\/a> added Hart because\u00a0of his perimeter defense. A competitive\u00a0defender, Hart brings size and length to a defensive unit that was lacklustre at best.<\/p>\n

All rookies look for a mentor when they enter the league. A player they can look up to and learn from. Hart has fifth-year guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a><\/strong>, a player known for his defensive know-how. It’s unknown whether or not Caldwell-Pope will remain with the team long-term but Hart should learn a lot this coming season.<\/p>\n

This team was awful defensively last season, leading to head coach Luke Walton<\/a><\/strong> setting a precedent on the first day of practice. Day one was defense only, with Walton setting the tone. In an interview with ESPN Los Angeles, Walton had this to say:<\/p>\n

“Defense is everything. Defense defense defense, because we want to run. We want to run every opportunity we have, but it’s a lot easier to run when you’re getting stops, and you’re not taking the ball out of the net.”<\/p>\n

\n

Luke Walton on Josh Hart: "He's tough, man. He loves to mix it up."<\/p>\n

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 14, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n