The Los Angeles Lakers have exceeded all expectations to start this season.
Despite playing without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers are ranked among the best teams in the Western Conference with an 8-3 record.
Does Nico Harrison deserve to be fired?
Having both players put up great numbers will definitely boost their championship aspirations. Austin Reeves is currently averaging 30.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Luka Doncic, on the other hand, is putting up MVP-caliber numbers with 37.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 9.4 rebounds per game.
Lakers expert Mike Bresnahan believes there’s another player who has a big impact on the team’s winning formula this season: Rui Hachimura.
“The players that I really enjoy, other than the obvious two, Austin Reeves and Luka, I like Louie a lot of the games, especially when the Lakers win. He’s a big reason why, other than the big two,” Bresnahan said.
“I like how Louis is doing in his contract year, so it makes financial sense for him to have a good season and he’s getting the start he needs,” he added.
Hachimura is currently averaging 16.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and shooting 52.4% from 3-point range.
JJ Redick believes Hachimura provides value beyond scoring, especially his defensive ability to effectively counter 3-point shots.
Interestingly, Hachimura was almost traded last summer amid rumors of a deal with Andrew Wiggins. The trade never materialized as the Lakers kept him this season.
Where will Anthony Davis be traded after Nico Harrison is fired?
Considering his contributions, that decision looks increasingly wise, especially given that he can play and defend in a variety of positions.
His impending 2026 free agency will make for interesting decisions about his long-term future with the franchise, especially if he maintains this level of two-way production throughout the contract year.