One of the Los Angeles Lakers' unsung heroes over the last couple of years has been forward Rui Hachimura. Ever since he was acquired in a trade with the Washington Wizards during the 2022-23 season, he has sometimes seemed like a forgotten man, but when he plays well, he seems to raise the Lakers' ceiling.
He averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds a game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range this season. When he attempted at least 10 shots in a game, the team was 22-7, but it went just 14-15 when he took fewer than 10 shots.