Luka Doncic isn't the player who will decide the Lakers' playoff fate

Luka Doncic is the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers, with Austin Reaves and LeBron James right behind him. But if the Lakers want to have a ton of postseason success, it all hinges on one guy: Rui Hachimura. Though he may not be the flashiest name, his defense and three-point shooting will be crucial to the Lakers’ success in the playoffs.

LA picked up a 110-97 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday. It was an impressive victory over one of the best teams in the league. And in the win, Hachimura was awesome. He scored the ball well and played solid defense, and on this Lakers roster, those traits are more important than almost anything.

Hachimura could be way more important than people realize.

Lakers need Rui Hachimura to be an elite 3-and-D player

Doncic is one of the best offensive players in the NBA. His impact on that end of the court is incredible, and without him, the Lakers would be nowhere near the team they are right now.

It’s a similar story with Reaves. He’s an elite offensive engine, can get himself to the free throw line, and is a great catch-and-shoot option off the ball.

With James, it’s the same old (incredible) story. He’s one of the best players in NBA history, and even at 41 years old, it’s obvious what he brings to the court.

But those three aren’t enough to field an entire team, and the Lakers don’t exactly have a mountain of great depth behind them. In fact, the team isn’t built super well.

They don’t have a surplus of shooting, and the three-point marksmen they do have aren’t great on the defensive end. And the defenders they have aren’t consistent from behind the three-point line.

Just look at the examples. Luke Kennard: Great shooter, but not a great defender. Marcus Smart: Great defender, but can’t shoot the ball consistently. Deandre Ayton is what he is. Jake LaRavia isn’t an amazing shooter. 

The best chance the Lakers have at having a true 3-and-D guy in the lineup is Hachimura. If he plays well in the postseason, it would mean everything for the Lakers.

They need him to be able to guard some of the best wings and forwards on the planet while also giving them consistent production from beyond the three-point arc.

If he can give them that, the Lakers will have a shot at making a run. But if he doesn’t, their life will be much, much harder.