With the NBA's top scorer Luka Doncic missing the game for personal reasons, Austin Reaves posted a double-double of 44 points and 10 assists for the Lakers in a matchup between the second-place teams from the East and West.
James added eight points and dished out 11 assists, including the pass from the top of the key to Hachimura in the corner that secured the game-winning shot.
"That was unbelievable," said Japanese forward Hachimura. "I've never hit a game-winning shot before."
James's streak of 1,297 consecutive games scoring at least 10 points ended — a run that started in January 2007.
However, the league's all-time leading scorer said he had no hesitation passing to Hachimura on the final play, with his path to the basket blocked and Reaves also under pressure.
"Just playing the game the right way," said James, now in his unprecedented 23rd season. "Always make the correct play. That's how I learned the game."
James struggled with his shooting for much of the game, making just four of 17 shots and missing all five three-point attempts.
"LeBron is very aware of his point total at that moment," said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who added he wasn’t surprised James made "the right play."
"He did it like he’s done countless times before," Redick commented.
"The basketball gods tend to reward you if you play the right way," Redick added.
Scottie Barnes scored 23 points and Brandon Ingram contributed 20 for the Raptors, who had seven players score in double digits but dropped to third place in the East behind Detroit and New York.
The Lakers continue their road trip against the Celtics in Boston on Friday.
The Celtics dominated the last-placed Wizards 146-101 in Washington to notch their eighth win in 10 games.
The Celtics played without their injured star Jaylen Brown. In his absence, Derrick White stepped up with 30 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and a steal.
Sixers hold off Warriors
In Philadelphia, 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe's put-back basket with 0.9 seconds remaining secured a 99-98 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Tyrese Maxey sealed the victory with a block on De'Anthony Melton at the buzzer as the Sixers narrowly held on in a game where they led by as many as 24 points.
The Warriors struggled early without injured Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Then their key player Draymond Green left midway through the second quarter with a foot injury after 76ers forward Dominick Barlow fell and rolled over Green's right foot.
The Warriors, boosted by a strong bench effort led by Pat Spencer's team-high 16 points, had taken a 98-97 lead when Edgecombe made a steal with 8.2 seconds left.
Maxey, who led the Sixers with 35 points, missed a jumper but Edgecombe was there to score the go-ahead basket on the rebound.
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