Lakers Injury Update: Josh Hart To Miss 4-6 Weeks After Undergoing Hand Surgery

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Josh Hart underwent successful surgery to repair the fracture of the fourth metacarpal on his left hand. Hart is expected to miss four to six weeks while recovering.

Hart suffered the injury during Wednesday’s practice in Miami. He returned to Los Angeles, where the operation was completed by Dr. Steven S. Shin. The projected timeline leaves open the possibility that Hart could return this season.

Lakers head coach Luke Walton said this week he did not rule out Hart missing the remainder of the season, but added the team would not rush his recovery.

While no injury is ever convenient, it’s a particularly tough break considering the 22-year-old had settled into a key role as a starter. In his last 10 games since being inserted into the lineup Feb. 2, Hart had scored in double-figures eight times and produced four double-doubles.

Hart set a career high with 14 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets in his first start of the stretch. He is averaging 6.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 55 games (20 starts) this season.

With Hart’s injury and a buyout agreement reached with Corey Brewer, the Lakers suddenly lacked depth for Thursday’s game against the Heat. As a result, Walton stuck with an eight-man rotation, though it didn’t seem to negatively impact the team.

Isaiah Thomas scored a season-high 29 points off the bench, Julius Randle turned in another strong performance, and Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball each had all-around efforts. But Ingram’s availability for Saturday’s game is in question as he suffered a left hip flexor strain.

The Lakers signed Travis Wear to a 10-day contract, and he’s expected to join the team in San Antonio.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Exit mobile version