Lakers Rumors: Josh Hart Out Through All-Star Break with Knee Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers will rest guard Josh Hart through at least the All-Star break with patella tendinitis in his right knee, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The Lakers are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday and then have eight days off until their next game against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 21.

Hart has been dealing with knee problems for the past few weeks. He missed practice due to left knee tendinitis in late January.

He missed the Lakers' game against the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 5, although he returned for the next game two days later. He didn't play in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but he was reportedly available if needed, per Kyle Goon of the Southern California News Group.

It seems the team will now give him the opportunity to heal for the second half of the season.

Hart has been overshadowed by other young players on the Lakers, but he has been a reliable contributor in his second year with the team. He is currently averaging 8.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, and he started 21 of the 54 games in which he's played.

On a squad that has been devastated by injuries, the guard ranks third on the team in total minutes played.

Reggie Bullock and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should get extra minutes at the 2 against Atlanta with Hart unavailable.