Rui Hachimura wins it at the buzzer for Lakers in thriller over Raptors

With an average of 14 points per game, Hachimura is fifth on the team in that category, but he has scored in double figures 15 times this season and become a consistent scorer for the Lakers, something that was especially evident when he was counted on in crunch time and delivered against the Raptors (15-8).

As impressive as the game-winner was, Hachimura was not the star of the night for Los Angeles. That would go to guard Austin Reaves, who exploded for 44 points (13-21 FG) and 10 assists. He dropped 22 alone in the third quarter and took advantage of several trips to the charity stripe by going 13-of-15.

With star Luka Doncic (personal) out for Thursday night's game, Reaves made sure to step up, which is something he has done multiple times this season with at least 30 points on seven occasions, including 51 in a win over the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26.

This was just the latest example of what has been a strong start to the season for the Lakers, who were without James until he finally made his season debut on Nov. 18 and has averaged 15.2 points per game after dealing with Sciatica. 

When Doncic has played, he has been averaging the most points in the league (35.3 PPG). Even with him out of the lineup and James' streak ending, the Lakers still pulled this one out against a Raptors team that had won 10 of its last 12 and has been one of the biggest surprises in the league this season after winning 30 games total last season.

It may be difficult to pull many games out if the defense does not improve some, but it is hard to deny how impressive the Lakers have been. Reaves put the team on his back and completely took the game over, but it was Hachimura who saved the best for last and hit the clutch game-winner to steal the road win.