The La-poor part of the ternary La−Ni−Si system has been explored leading to the discovery and structural characterization of four new polar intermetallic compounds. LaNi 5 Si 2 [BaAu 5 Ga 2 type, oP64, space group Pnma, a = 7.8223(7) Å, b = 6.3894(6) Å, c = 17.843(2) Å, V = 891.8(2) Å 3 , Z = 8] features a diamond (lonsdaleite)-like homoatomic Ni framework and is the first Ni representative of a larger family of compounds typically formed by aurides. La 2 Ni 8 Si 3 [Eu 2 Ni 8 Si 3 type, tP52, P4 2 /nmc, a = 10.0278(3) Å, c = 7.5047(4) Å, V = 754.65(6) Å 3 , Z = 4] is characterized by homoatomic Ni 4 tetrahedra and rectangles. LaNi 5 Si 3 [SrNi 5 P 3 type, oS36, Cmcm, a = 3.722(2) Å, b = 11.759(5) Å, c = 11.622(3) Å, V = 508.7(3) Å 3 , Z = 4] is governed by extensive heteroatomic bonding and characterized by homopolyhedral packing. La 3 Ni 4 Si 2 [Ce 3 Ni 4 Si 2 type, mC36, C2/c, a = 15.819(1) Å, b = 6.0068(5) Å, c = 7.4918(6) Å, β = 103.163( 5)°, V = 693.17(10) Å 3 , Z = 4] is a new member of homologous series that includes La 3 Ni 3 Si 2 and La 3 Ni 3.5 Si 2 . We conclude that the similar radii and electronegativities of Ni and Si are the reason for the incredible diversity of compositions and structures in this system.