Lakers News: Josh Hart to Return, Luke Walton Gives Lonzo Ball Injury Update

The Los Angeles Lakers announced shooting guard Josh Hart is available to play in Friday night's home game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center after missing the past month with a fractured left hand.

In addition, Lakers head coach Luke Walton said point guard Lonzo Ball's injured left knee "feels better," but there's still no firm date for his return as he continues to receive treatment, per Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet.

Los Angeles acquired Hart in June as part of a draft-night trade after he was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 30th overall pick.

The 23-year-old Villanova product averaged 6.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 55 appearances before the injury.

Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times noted Hart joked about his expectations as he prepared for his return to the floor Friday.

"I want to tie Kobe Bryant's 40-point stretch when he had it," he said. "What was it, eight 40-point games in a row? That's probably what I'm going to try to accomplish over these next eight games."

Josh Hart sinks the shot at the buzzer

Meanwhile, Ball's status for the season's stretch run is uncertain after leaving Wednesday's clash with the Dallas Mavericks after suffering a left knee contusion.

The hyped rookie has struggled mightily with his shot throughout the campaign, connecting on 36 percent of his shots from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range, but he's still averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 52 games.

Tyler Ennis and Gary Payton II should both see more playing time at the point with both Ball and Isaiah Thomas sidelined because of injuries.