Los Angeles Lakers rookie wing Josh Hart is officially listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced on Thursday.
The Lakers have been without Hart for the past 14 games after he broke a bone in his hand in a practice. Ever since, he has been itching to get back on the court and had Friday circled for his eventual return. Now it looks like he will be getting his wish.
Hart has been one of the team’s best defenders this season, especially with his ability to switch on to bigger players and hold his own in the post against bigger players. Additionally, he is the Lakers’ best 3-point shooter percentage wise, knocking down 39.7 percent from deep.
His return is big for Luke Walton’s roster if for nothing else than it gives him another wing body as the team tries to get healthy for the end of the season. Brandon Ingram returned to the team on Wednesday, and getting Hart back will be another boost to the team on both ends of the floor.
Of course, fellow rookie Lonzo Ball suffered a knee contusion in that Wednesday contest as well and while it seems minor, and Ball sounded unworried about it, it still is a concern and having Hart suited up will help alleviate the potential loss of Ball.
With just eight games remaining in the season, the Lakers finally may be getting healthy to have a promising end to what has been a very exciting season.
Hart is averaging 6.6 points and 3.7 rebounds this season, but those numbers jump to 11.5 points and 6.1 rebounds on 41.8 percent from deep when he has been in the starting lineup.
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