Lakers' $51M silent playoff assassin will be biggest X-factor with Luka Doncic, LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to look more like a true contender with each passing week. They had won nine straight games before falling to the Detroit Pistons, but the bigger picture is clear—they are in the exact position LeBron James hoped for during the summer.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

This aligns with what Luka Dončić wanted as well, something he made very clear to the organization last summer.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

The Lakers now look like a lock for the playoffs and are in a strong position. When the postseason arrives, they will rely on their star trio, but Rui Hachimura could play a significant role as well.

“On the season, Hachimura is already shooting an impressive 43.8 percent from 3-point, but when the playoffs come around, he becomes even more deadly from beyond the arc,” Lake Show Life’s Chris Lambert wrote. “Hachimura shoots the ball with a certain swagger and confidence that no one can really teach. Come playoff time, there will be situations where the team needs a 3-pointer, and one of the stars can't deliver it. So, having another guy similar to Kennard who can drill triples and make big-time shots is another layer in the championship-winning cake the Lakers are baking.”

When the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals a few years ago, Hachimura’s shooting was a major factor. He continues to be an ideal role player for this roster.

Los Angeles is surging down the stretch, and the competition will only intensify in the playoffs. However, if Hachimura finds his rhythm, opponents won’t be able to sag off defensively and focus solely on Dončić, James, or Austin Reaves.

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