The Los Angeles Lakers have made Luka Dončić the face of their franchise, but the next step is finding the right supporting cast to maximize his unique skill set. While stars will always be the priority in Los Angeles, complementary players who can rebound, defend, and set the tone will be just as critical. That’s where New York Knicks guard Josh Hart comes in.
Brandon Austin of PFSN has already argued that Hart is the type of player contenders should covet: “Hart has been a vital contributor, known for his hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Under Tom Thibodeau, he thrived in a do-it-all role that supported New York’s defensive identity.”
The Lakers Need Someone Who Can Do It All. Josh Hart Is That Man
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Hart may not be a lights-out shooter, hitting just 33.3% from three in 2024, but his ability to impact the game in other ways makes him valuable. He averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists last season—elite production for a guard who often plays off the ball. His relentless rebounding and willingness to defend multiple positions would immediately address areas where the Lakers struggled last season.
The Lakers know Hart well. Drafted by Los Angeles in 2017, he spent two seasons with the team before being included in the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis. Since then, Hart has carved out a reputation as one of the NBA’s best glue guys, thriving in New Orleans, Portland, and now New York.
Austin noted that while Hart is beloved in New York, his contract and skill set make him one of the Knicks’ more expendable assets in a potential deal for a higher-level star. If he does become available, Los Angeles should be at the front of the line.
Recent trade chatter has even suggested Hart could be part of a Knicks–Lakers deal involving LeBron James. Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith floated a scenario where Los Angeles would move James and Bronny James to New York in exchange for OG Anunoby, Hart, and a first-round pick. Morales-Smith argued that “Hart is the best rebounding guard in the league who contributes on both sides of the ball,” exactly the type of versatile piece to place alongside Dončić.
Hart is entering the second year of a four-year, $80 million deal, a reasonable contract for a player who can give a contender 35 minutes of hard-nosed basketball every night. He won’t transform the Lakers on his own, but as part of a larger roster-building strategy around Dončić, Hart’s toughness and versatility could be the difference between a playoff team and a true contender.
If the Knicks shop Hart, the Lakers shouldn’t hesitate to explore a reunion.