The Los Angeles Lakers have begun to unlock the potential of enigmatic forward Rui Hachimura. Head coach JJ Redick made the highly-anticipated decision to move Hachimura to the second unit, positioning him to excel in an offensive role that better suits his game.
Hachimura has spoken openly and honestly about how he's adapting to what the Lakers need from him, but there's one issue Rob Pelinka still needs to resolve: The lack of a point of attack defender.
Hachimura has been miscast as a featured defender who is tasked with picking up opposing teams' best scorer. It's not exclusively his obligation, of course, but he's been effectively backed into a corner considering starters Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves all struggle on defense.
Though Hachimura does an admirable job in such an environment, the Lakers are limiting his defensive potential by playing him in a role that doesn't ideally suit him.
Hachimura ranks in the 79th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, which certainly suggests he can get the job done. He's also in the 91st percentile in off-ball chaser defense, which measures "how well a defender lowers shot quality and suppresses attempts on off-ball screens," per Basketball Index.
If the Lakers are hoping to bring the best out of Hachimura, however, then they need to get an on-ball specialist who can allow him to operate in a more versatile capacity on defense.
Lakers need point of attack defender for Rui Hachimura to thrive in support
Los Angeles' need for a wing who can defend guards and small forwards is as well-documented as any trade deadline story in the NBA. Even if Doncic, James, and Reaves weren't playing at an underwhelming level on defense, there's a thick line between solid and elite.
The Lakers have thus been linked to a number of top-tier defensive wings, with New Orleans Pelicans swingman Herbert Jones often a leading name in rumors.
What such a trade would accomplish is more than just taking pressure off of the offensive stars. It would also create the flexibility that supporting players such as Hachimura need to settle into defensive roles that more adequately suit them.
Hachimura has proven to be underrated at the point of attack, but it's his ability to defend both on and away from the ball that makes him such a valuable and well-rounded commodity.
Rather than being limited to a role that lacks flexibility, Hachimura could embrace his versatility alongside an isolation specialist. That would not only enhance his defensive impact, but make the Lakers a more dynamic force on the defensive end of the floor.
Though Los Angeles' need for a top-tier on-ball defender is well-documented for the sake of the stars, it's Hachimura whose game would be elevated most.