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Las Vegas — Heading into Las Vegas Summer League, it didn’t appear clear how many games Josh Hart would play in the July exhibition for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Originally, the team’s plan was to play Hart one game in Sacramento, and one game in Las Vegas. Hart played two of the Lakers’ three games in Sacramento, and has played in both of their games in Las Vegas so far, and when asked if he would keep playing if it was up to him, he was clear about his wishes.
”I think it’s up to me, and I think I want to play,” Hart said after dropping 19 points on 15 shots while grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing 3 assists — along with some stellar defense — in the Lakers’ 69-60 win over the Chicago Bulls.
But after Hart came up a little gimpy late in the fourth quarter after a collision when he attempted a shot at the basket, however, it seemed like Hart’s playing status might be out of his hands, but he said he’s fine to play.
“I’m good. I’m good,” Hart said, and his coach doesn’t think he’s done either.
“I don’t think so,” Lakers summer league head coach Simon said when asked if Hart would continue to play. “We’ve got more games left.”
The Lakers may have a significant amount of games left if Hart continues to play as well as he has while averaging 21.5 points on 46.7 percent shooting while knocking down 53.3 percent of his threes. So far that’s been good enough to lead the Lakers to a 2-0 record in Las Vegas, and Hart is hoping he can continue to help push the Lakers as far as they can go as they defend their Las Vegas Summer League title.
“I’m going to have to talk to RP (Rob Pelinka) and all them today, but I mean in my eyes I’m playing them all,” Hart said. “Obviously that’s upstairs, but I’m going to lobby to play every one.”
All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats perNBA.comand Basketball-Reference.com. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at @hmfaigen.