If superstars always play a central role in the title race, it is often the X factors that can turn a series around.
And on the Lakers side, there is a rookie who is gaining momentum and making people talk at just the right time.
It’s always the same story with the Lakers, it’s impossible to know where to place them in the title race.
If we simply rely on the results of the regular season, their inconsistency should keep them away from favorites like the Nuggets and the Celtics…
But with this historic franchise and its exceptional players, it is impossible to be categorical.
Last year for example, when they had to go through the play in, Los Angeles finally reached the conference final to everyone’s surprise.
How do we know that they won’t repeat this same scenario in a few weeks, especially since they strengthened considerably during the summer?
With them, there is always hope.
Rui Hachimura, Lakers X factor in the playoffs
Among the reasons for hope given by fans is Darvin Ham’s big adjustment regarding Rui Hachimura.
Long put on the bench for the benefit of Taurean Prince, the Japanese is today firmly installed in the coach’s starting 5, and with what he is showing at the end of the season, the supporters can only have the smile.
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That Rui trade is so insane to look back on. Wonder how many guys like that are just sitting around the league, wasting away on bad teams.
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) April 4, 2024
The Rui Hachimura trade is crazy when you think about it. I wonder how many players like him are waiting in the league, on bad teams.
Since he has started, Rui Hachimura has averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, which is perfect in complement to LeBron James , Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell.
He does what is asked of him with great efficiency, and inevitably, Internet users wonder where the Lakers would be if Darvin Ham had trusted him earlier in the season.
DARVIN P DIDDY HAM DIDN'T START RUI HACHIMURA FOR 50 GAMES CUZ HE WAS HORNY FOR 6'7 KAI CENAT
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 4, 2024
Darvin Ham did not start Rui Hachimura for 50 matches because he wanted to play the 1m98 Kai Cenat lookalike!
Arriving during last season, Rui Hachimura is finally fully integrated into Los Angeles.
And with what he is showing at the moment, he could well establish himself as a major element of the Lakers in the playoffs.