As training camp and the 2026-27 NBA season slowly approach, it is time to start taking a look at what each member of the Los Angeles Lakers should be working on this summer and how each of them can help the team be as successful as it can be.
Therefore, LeBron Wire is outlining three goals for each Lakers player this coming season. For Jaden Hardy, there could be the opportunity to earn some playing time and perhaps even try to break into coach JJ Redick's rotation this season.
Convert at the rim better
Hardy's biggest strength is his 3-point shooting. In his four previous seasons in the NBA, he shot 38.6% from 3-point range, and last season, he averaged 9.2 points and 4.6 3-point attempts a game in 15.8 minutes a game while making 39.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
But he has never finished well at or near the rim. For his career, he has made just 58.5% of his attempts within three feet of the rim, and he will likely need to improve that rate enough to earn more trust from Redick.
However, that may pale in comparison to another one of his weaknesses.
Give a better effort defensively
Defense is largely considered Hardy's biggest flaw. He has trouble staying in front of his man on that end of the floor, and at 6-foot-3 and a shade under 200 pounds, he has trouble when switching onto bigger guards and wings.
Opposing teams tend to target him when he is on the floor. Hardy doesn't have to become a plus defender, but at the very least, he cannot hurt Los Angeles on that end of the court.
Stay ready
The Lakers have solid depth in the backcourt with Austin Reaves and possibly Quentin Grimes as their starters, Collin Sexton as their presumptive sixth man and rookie Cameron Carr poised to earn some playing time. In addition, 3-and-D wing Matisse Thybulle could get some minutes at the 2.
That will make it difficult for Hardy to earn any meaningful playing time. But if there are any injuries, he could be called upon, and he could at least supply the Lakers with instant offense and outside shooting in a pinch.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers player goals for 2026-27 season: Jaden Hardy
