If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to survive this next stretch of games without LeBron James, they will need the entire roster to step up, dig deep, and push themselves harder than ever.
Fans of the team were happy to see examples of all that on Wednesday night.
The Lakers were able to overcome the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-117, without James or Anthony Davis.
One of the reasons for their victory was Rui Hachimura, the Lakers newcomer who scored 9 points and 9 rebounds.
Importantly, he also acquired a game-high three blocks too.
One of those blocks was a true stunner, with Hachimura batting down a shot from the Thunder in one moment and then racing down the court to receive the ball and score for his team.
RUI HACHIMURA TURNING DEFENSE INTO OFFENSE! #LAKESHOW pic.twitter.com/Xmg6pSi1ki
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 2, 2023
It was an impressive possession for the star who has been trying to make a name for himself since joining the Lakers a few weeks ago.
Since coming to LA, Hachimura has been doing whatever the team needs and has produced 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a game.
Whether he has been starting or coming off the bench, Hachimura has been impactful for his Lakers.
He joins a group of other new recruits such as D’Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley.
They will be carrying heavier loads in the weeks ahead and the fate of the team may rest on their shoulders.
There were many people who thought the Lakers would fall to the Thunder on Wednesday night.
But thanks to plays like this one from Hachimura, they pulled off a pivotal win and continue to chase their playoff chances.
NEXT: Shaq Gives A Harsh Critique Of Anthony Davis
