The Los Angeles Lakers have no shortage of star power. Luka Doncic is one of the top four players in the world, LeBron James is one of the top two players of all-time, and Austin Reaves is perhaps the best third option in the NBA.
Aside from that trio, however, the Lakers don’t have much depth to boast. Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart are expected to be serviceable pickups, but not massive difference-makers.
Still, behind the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers could be the third seed in the West. They have the starpower and scoring; some defensive concerns are suddenly not a big deal, right?
On top of that, if JJ Redick tinkers with his lineups, they could be poised to have an NBA award winner.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: LeBron James #6 and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during a 125-118 loss to the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on April 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Rui Hachimura Picked to Win Sixth Man of the Year
In three seasons with the Lakers, Rui Hachimura has been a fixture of the starting lineup. Last season, he enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 13.1 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 41.3% from deep.
With James, Doncic, and Reaves all locked into the starting lineup, having another 6-foot-8 wing on the court might be a bit redundant, even if Hachimura is a solid defender. Therefore, he is predicted to land on the bench, where he could thrive.
“A move out of the starting lineup could facilitate a better defensive fit in the starting lineup — likely Smart — and also provide a scoring punch off the bench,” explained SB Nation’s Jacob Rude on September 24th. “In a best-case scenario, he is one of the frontrunners for Sixth Man of the Year and still closes games on the nights when the matchups are favorable or he’s really cooking.”
Rude floated a lineup of Doncic, James, Reaves, Smart, and Ayton to open games, although Hachimura would get more minutes than Smart thanks to his two-way versatility and floor spacing.
“When LeBron sits, which is hopefully a lot more this year to preserve him for the playoffs, Rui can step into the starting lineup,” Rude added. “Otherwise, he could have a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year this season.”
Getty Lakers LeBron James, right, celebrates his third three-pointer in a row with Rui Hachimura against the Warriors.
Betting Odds Aren’t in Rui Hachimura’s Favor
According to FanDuel, Gabe Vincent is the only Laker with a chance to win Sixth Man of the Year, with distant +25000 odds. Hachimura is seen by many as a starter in the NBA, so it makes sense that he wouldn’t be listed.
In the regular season, Hachimura averaged 31.7 minutes per game and stepped into an even larger role in the postseason. However, Rude isn’t asking for Hachimura to step into a smaller role, just a different one.
Hachimura is in the last season of his contract, so there is also a very real chance the Lakers trade him to a team craving flexibility. In return, Los Angeles would seek a long-term running mate to pair with Doncic.
If Hachimura can average an efficient 12 points on a winning Lakers team while playing valuable defense, it’s hard to see LA be eager to trade him. If he can replicate that success on the bench and stay healthy, he could emerge as a critical piece to their title hopes and emerge as a possible award-winner.
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