Key to Lakers making the playoffs is frightening on multiple levels

The Los Angeles Lakers made changes to avoid a second straight first-round playoff exit. Darvin Ham was fired and replaced by J.J. Redick. The franchise drafted Dalton Knecht, and the rookie looks ready to immediately join the rotation. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still leading the charge, but the Lakers need more to be serious contenders.

The Western Conference is loaded, and LA cannot expect to go from the Play-In Tournament to the conference finals like they did in 2023. The Lakers need to finish in the top six and play their best basketball in the playoffs. It won’t be easy with a 40-year-old superstar leading their attack, but it is a must for the franchise to reach its goals.

Things are looking up for Los Angeles. Gabe Vincent looks ready to show fans what they missed last season, but this starter is the Lakers’ key to automatically qualifying for the playoffs and making a deep run.

Rui Hachimura is the terrifying key to the Lakers' success in 2025

Hachimura has been a key piece for the franchise since being acquired in January 2023. Having a 6’8 forward capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions is a luxury. Hachimura made jumpers and played a crucial role in their run to the conference finals.

Last season, the Lakers were outstanding with him starting, but relying on the 26-year-old is frightening. They won 26 of his 39 games in the opening five or a 54.7 win pace over an entire 82-game regular season as he shot 43.9 percent from 3-point range. Sadly, LA cannot count on any of that.

Hachimura averages just 55.6 games per season and has a wildly inconsistent jumper. He twice shot over 42 percent from 3-point range and has three years below 32.8. It is difficult to win without the 6’8 forward, and the Lakers need him to make shots. LA went 7-3 last season when Hachimura made at least three triples. The Lakers were 6-8 with Hachimura failing to make a 3-pointer.

He is the key to their success, but can the franchise count on him? There will be missed time, but the franchise must limit it if they want any serious shot at contending.

Hachimura must lock in his 3-point shooting and defense if he wants his team to be serious contenders. The Lakers need him even more with Jarred Vanderbilt out. New head coach J.J. Redick was one of the league’s best shooters and should help Rui consistently nail jumpers. It is on Hachimura to put in the work to be the X-factor the Lakers need.

The Los Angeles Lakers will go as Rui Hachimura does this season. He is the key to the franchise returning to the playoffs and making a run. It should make fans a bit uneasy, but things could be worse. The Lakers need LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy. Both will be outstanding when on the floor. After that, it comes down to Hachimura, which is a much larger gamble. Hopefully, he shines, but only time will tell.