NBA News: With Ball Out, Pelicans Pin Hopes On An Overlooked Former Lakers Player

The New Orleans Pelicans cannot afford to lose some old faces and it appears they did just that on Josh Hart.

Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in that celebrated Anthony Davis trade a couple of years ago, the 26-year-old reportedly reached an agreement with the Pelicans on a three-year contract extension worth up to $38 million.

But looking at the deal closely, only $12 million of that amount is guaranteed. Hence, it hints that Hart may have to prove his worth and shine if he is to get the full $38 million.

But looking at it differently, the 6-foot-5 swingman gets the chance to prove his worth. Since entering the league in 2017 with the Lakers, the native of Maryland found himself playing behind stars like Lonzo Ball.

Known more as a shooting guard and small forward, it will be interesting if the Pelicans will try Hart out as their point guard. He had those chances in the past with the Lakers but has not proven himself to be a reliable playmaker. Hart gets a new crack at showing he can do that in New Orleans.

Lonzo Ball is now with the Chicago Bulls after the Pelicans agreed to a sign-and-trade deal last Aug. 2. New Orleans got Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky as part of that deal.

The numbers of Hart increased a bit with the Pelicans since moving over from the Lakers. In two seasons, the 26-year old holds averages of 9.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 27.7 minutes of action.

With potentially more playing time, it could be Hart’s time to shine. Most of his batchmates from the Lakers have established themselves since joining other teams.

Aside from Lonzo Ball, that list includes teammate Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle (New York Knicks) and Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz).

Hart has shown promise but never got that chance playing behind Ball among others. He could be a potential breakout player to watch in the 2021-22 NBA wars.