Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has responded to adversity as well as anyone could've asked him to. Routinely listed as the Lakers' best trade asset due to his team-friendly contract, Hachimura has proven that his greatest value is on the court.
As the 2025 NBA Playoffs near, that value must be properly appreciated and utilized by emphasizing Hachimura's presence as a scoring threat.
Hachimura is in the midst of what may very well be his best NBA season. He's come into his own as a defender, emerging as a true 3-and-D player with averages of 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, and 1.7 three-point field goals made on .505/.412/.771 shooting.
Between his energy on both ends of the floor and his efficient touch as a shooter, Hachimura has helped set the tone and emerge as something of a glue guy.
The most important statistic on Hachimura's résumé, however, is his 9.8 field goal attempts per game. It may seem like a relatively inconsequential number, but it's actually come to define the Lakers' season—or, more specifically, their success.
When Hachimura exceeds that figure of 9.8 by attempting at least 10 shots, the Lakers are 22-7—and they're 14-15 when he plays but attempts fewer than 10 field goals.
Lakers are 22-7 when Hachimura takes 10+ shots, 14-15 when he doesn't
That paints a clear picture of the Lakers needing to get Hachimura at least 10 shots in any game he plays. He's an explosive athlete with an efficient jump shot and the ability to successfully attack closeouts, and those skills have translated directly to the win column.
The specifics of that success include the fact that Los Angeles boasts an unfathomably dominant record of 21-3 when he puts up between 10 and 13 field goals.
It'd obviously be irrational to force Hachimura to shoot, or for that matter, to cap his attempts when his shot is falling. Los Angeles needs to get the ball in his hands, however, and past postseason runs imply that it's easier said than done.
Hachimura attempted at least 10 shots just once during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, seemingly implying that he's reluctant to shoot.
Much has changed between then and now, however, as the Lakers have built an entirely new hierarchy and identity as a team. Hachimura has benefited as much as anyone on the roster, seemingly evolving into the player the Lakers were hoping he'd become.
An energetic forward with the size, strength, and athleticism to make an impact on either end of the floor, Hachimura has silenced his critics with a truly memorable season.
The reality he's facing, however, is that the one area in which he can be reluctant to contribute is the most important phase of the game for him and the team. The contrast between when Hachimura shoots at least 10 shots and when he doesn't is startling, and there's no margin for error in the playoffs.
If Hachimura's transformation into a championship-caliber starter is going to be finalized then Los Angeles will need to empower him to reach his magic number as a shooter during the playoffs.