On a Los Angeles Lakers roster dominated by offensive powerhouses like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, role players must find specific ways to contribute. Rui Hachimura has successfully navigated this challenge by transforming his game.
Initially known for his work in the mid- to low-post, Hachimura has evolved into a highly effective floor spacer, occasionally utilizing a dribble pull-up. He has embraced the change, shooting an impressive 41.1% from three-point range during his tenure with the team. This season, he is thriving, posting a career-high 14.8 points per game while converting a remarkable 48.5% of his shots from deep.
Despite producing numbers that could command a larger role elsewhere, Hachimura remains committed to the Lakers’ championship goals.
“I’m not trying to be a superstar or anything. I’m just trying to help the team win – whatever they ask for,” Hachimura told ESPN. “I like my role here. I’m not trying to be in a big three, I’m really trying to win the championship with this team. I like how they’ve been treating me given the roles and everything, very specific. Especially JJ has been really good with that. So, I’m happy.”
Hachimura credits head coach JJ Redick for clearly defining his responsibilities and fostering a selfless, team-first culture. This commitment is particularly significant as Hachimura is in a contract year. While his scoring prowess is well-established, his value for a new deal will likely depend on his contributions in other areas.
With the Lakers often lacking physicality, Hachimura’s size is a key asset. By focusing on crashing the boards and making physical cuts to the basket, he can significantly elevate the team’s offense, a willingness he has already demonstrated.
### Hachimura’s Two-Way Development Earns Praise from Peers
While established veterans often stick to their strengths, Hachimura has shown a commitment to developing the less glamorous parts of his game, namely rebounding and off-ball defense. This evolution has not gone unnoticed around the league. Opponents Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart recently commended Hachimura for his improved two-way play, highlighting the strides he has made on the defensive end.
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