The 4 players of the Los Angeles Lakers who need to help Luka Doncic and LeBron James win the NBA championship in 2025

As the 2025 NBA playoffs approach, so do the expectations of many contenders, including the Los Angeles Lakers. While all eyes are on Luka Doncic and LeBron James to lead the angels to glory, there are several other players they will rely on to bring home championship no. 18.

Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves' meteoric rise over the years is no coincidence, and his efforts have only grown alongside LeBron and Luka. Throughout 73 games this season, the fourth-year guard achieved a career-best: 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 46% from the field, 37.7% from three, and 87.7% from the free-throw line. His numbers were similar (21 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.8 APG) when the Lakers acquired Doncic. Reaves' feats have even led him to be considered Most Improved Player, an effort spearheaded by James.

Lakers fans are already familiar with Reaves' playoff gear shift, as he burst onto the scene during LA's run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals. This time, even with two brilliant offensive minds by his side, Reaves needs to showcase his two-way skills and force opponents to think twice before leaving him open. His success without the two stars will be equally crucial as he will be the primary option in certain lineups. Reaves has the opportunity to crown a special season with elite playoff performances, a challenge he will not shy away from.

Dorian Finney-Smith

One of the Lakers' mid-season acquisitions, the team's identity shifted when they traded for Dorian Finney-Smith. DFS has become one of the Lakers' primary 3&D options, thriving in both the second unit and the starting lineup. In 43 games (20 starts) with the Lakers, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting close to 40% from three.

Finney-Smith is no stranger to the Western Conference playoffs, so his experience and playing style are vital for the purple and gold (not to mention his chemistry with Doncic). His shooting is an obvious boost for the Lakers, but his willingness to lock down rival small forwards will be huge for a team that has fluctuated defensively. Against the Timberwolves, Finney-Smith will likely guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Jaylen Clark off the bench. However, he could also face Jaden McDaniels or even Anthony Edwards in certain situations. Either way, Finney-Smith seems ready for the task, and his ability to secure stops should significantly contribute to the team's success.

Jaxson Hayes

Following Anthony Davis' departure, starting center Jaxson Hayes has a golden opportunity to prove skeptics wrong. The former Texas center became one of the primary beneficiaries of the Doncic trade. Over 25 games with Luka, Hayes averaged eight points (shooting 76.5% from the field), 5.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game, serving as a viable rim protector and shooting threat.

Hayes' athleticism and energy should be in full swing during the playoffs, first against Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers will ask a lot from Hayes, who will face a four-time Defensive Player of the Year as his only true 7-footer. The 24-year-old acknowledged the end of the season as an opportunity to "make a name for himself," and he should maintain that mindset for the postseason. Hayes' top priorities will be to maintain his efficiency at the rim and contain Minnesota's big men. If he can effectively do those things, his name will be one fans won't soon forget.

Rui Hachimura

Finally, the Lakers will need another big postseason from Rui Hachimura. Even with changes in the team, Hachimura's game has remained relatively consistent. Despite a lingering left knee injury, he managed to contribute 13.1 points and five rebounds per game while shooting averages of 50.9% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 77% from the line.

Hachimura's biggest contributions come from his scoring and rebounding, and he must bring his best in both departments for the Lakers to succeed. Much like DFS, Rui offers immense value as a 3&D player, with his perimeter shooting taking a significant leap this year. His ability to crash the glass is equally important, as he can create second chances or deny them to his rivals. Time will tell how he manages his injury in the playoffs, but as he has shown in the past, Hachimura can be a spark plug in any lineup. Having his offensive prowess alongside James and Doncic could make a difference down the stretch.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 4 jugadores de Los Angeles Lakers que tienen que ayudar a Luka Doncic y LeBron James a ganar el campeonato NBA en 2025