Rui Hachimura was pivotal in the Lakers turning around their season last year. He immediately provided the team with a solid wing who can shoot well from three and is a mid-range savant.
As the Lakers advanced deeper and deeper into the playoffs, his value only enhanced and his performances improved. He was the sixth man for the team, shined in that role, and was one of the few bright spots for Los Angeles in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 15.25 points in his 33 minutes of play.
As a final attempt at salvaging their season, the Lakers gave Hachimura the start in the last game of the series versus the Nuggets and while it didn't result in a win, it demonstrated how much the team trusts and believes in him.