Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Former Gonzaga Star Thrives In Luka Doncic's Lakers Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Patton | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 1:42 PM ET

Monday night was a huge night in the NBA, with superstar Luka Doncic making his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers after a stunning trade sent him from Dallas to LA in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first round pick.

Doncic was limited to just 23 minutes, recording 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 5-14 shooting in a 132-113 win over the Utah Jazz.

LeBron James paced the Lakers with 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, but it was former Gonzaga star Rui Hachimura who shined the brightest - recording 21 points on 8-14 shooting, including 3-6 from downtown, along with six rebounds and two steals.

Hachimura is certainly not getting the most attention on this Lakers squad, but he remains a key starter for JJ Redick's team and has taken on a bigger role offensively with Davis out of the picture.

Through the first 38 games of the season, Hachimura averaged 12.2 points on 9.4 shot attempts per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 40.9% from three.

However, since Davis last played for LA on Jan. 28, Hachimura is averaging 19.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, shooting 59.5% from the field on 12.3 FGA in those six games - while lighting it up from deep at 51.5% on 5.5 attempts.

In a starting lineup that features James, Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Jaxson Hayes, Hachimura is a bit of an afterthought for opposing defenses, which he is adept at using to his advantage.

The 27-year-old is playing some of the best basketball of his career right now, and will be a crucial piece of this team as they look to make a late push for a top seed in the loaded Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: