The Lakers ’ current power trio, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, has been carrying the team on their shoulders, powering a seven-game winning streak. But even their combined brilliance can only do so much alone. The starting lineup also features Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, and without involving them, the team risks hitting a wall. Against the Suns, that imbalance showed clearly, as Los Angeles fell 125-108.

“We just gotta, um, trust each other, you know, and, you know, pass to each other,” Rui Hachimura said after the game , finishing scoreless with one rebound in 23 minutes. “Luka and AR both have the ball all the time, so they get a lot of attention. All the other guys gotta be in the right spots and be ready to shoot. Be ready to make another play.”

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