Rui Hachimura Embraces New Role as Lakers’ Rotation Shifts

Rui Hachimura has spent most of his Lakers career as a fixture in the starting lineup, but that role has changed since his return from a calf injury.

Hachimura shut down any concerns about his mindset, making it clear that his priorities are simple.

“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning. That’s gonna help us to everybody get paid,” Hachimura told Dan Woike of The Athletic. “… And especially with this second unit, I get more touches too. … I don’t mind. It’s more so like, who’s finishing the game? Or who’s playing more? For me, that’s more important.”

Since joining the Lakers, Hachimura has steadily expanded his impact.

He has developed into the team’s most reliable three-point shooter, while also improving his rebounding and defensive effort.

Now, with Jake LaRavia holding onto a starting spot and Austin Reaves nearing a return from injury, head coach JJ Redick is navigating a lineup that remains fluid.

“It’s funny. I think I got used to it. It’s four years here, and [the] first three years I was, I didn’t know what to do,” Hachimura said. “If I didn’t touch the ball for like whole quarter, like, it’s done for me. I can’t do anything for the game, but now I’m used to it. I think it’s more so the mental. When I had that always I used to think ‘Oh f—. Like I couldn’t shoot. I didn’t touch the ball.’ But now, I’m trying to think ‘OK, what I can do to help to win this game? Rebound, box out, help defense. Those are little movements that’s gonna keep me into the game. So then, when I get to the ball, I’m still in rhythm.’”

“I like my role here,” Hachimura said. “The things that I like to do, I’m doing here. I just gotta embrace doing whatever it takes to win for the team.”