Josh Hart did not have to play in this year’s round of Summer League games.
The Lakers, and their front office even hinted as such during the team’s exit interviews with their initial two-game restriction on the former Villanova Wildcat.
Yet, their attempts to preserve Hart failed to deter his personal goal to “dominate.” Through his own tireless persistence and even some begging, he not only played in every single game, but won the league’s MVP award while leading the Lakers to their second-straight championship game.
Although the team ultimately failed to repeat as Summer League champions, Hart’s determination and dominating play not only impressed the Lakers’ brass and the club’s fans, but also his newest teammate — LeBron James.