Los Angeles Lakers: Grading the 2017 NBA Draft class after rookie year

No. 30 overall pick: Josh Hart

Another pat on the back for the Lakers scouting staff. Not only did they hit a home run with Kyle Kuzma at No. 27, but they followed it up with a second dinger at No. 30 overall. Josh Hart wasn’t seen as a rising star before the year, but he’s got a lot of fans around the league now.

That’s due to more than just his love for Fortnite, though.

The kid is good. Like, really good. An exceptional 3-and-D player in the making, Hart wins with tenacity, swagger and plenty of skill. Although it took some time for him to finally get an extended look, he helped Lake Show fans put the team’s decision to trade Jordan Clarkson out of their minds.

When Los Angeles needed some additional bench scoring, Hart was the man. When the Lakers were short on guards and needed someone to step up, they called on Hart. Despite his status as a rookie, the Villanova product played well beyond his years like his fellow late first round pick. Especially when injuries began pilling up, Hart seized the opportunity to shine in an expanded role.

The future looks very bright for Hart, who’s another steal in the making. His ceiling may not be as high as Kuzma’s, but he could very well carve out a role for himself as one of the Lakers’ most dependable, energetic bench players. On top of that, he’s helping this young core build chemistry while providing the fans with some high-quality entertainment — on and off the court.

Grade: A