The Los Angeles Lakers have to sign Rui Hachimura to a long-term contract after he proved head coach JJ Redick in their Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets. Redick wasn’t shy about heaping praise on Hachimura after the purple and gold defeated the Nets on March 27, and Hachimura proved every word in the playoff opener.
The Lakers didn’t have Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, but it didn’t matter. Luke Kennard had a team-high 27 points, and Deandre Ayton stunningly made a massive two-way impact. LA got several key performances against Rockets without Kevin Durant, and fans can't forget Rui.
Hachimura didn’t score 20 points, but he was the perfect 3-and-D forward for what the Lakers want to build around Luka for years to come. He teamed with Ayton to play elite defense, sank open shots, and happily played his role in a playoff victory. Redick knows how important Rui is, and it showed in Game 1.
Rui Hachimura should be back with the Lakers after proving JJ Redick right
After the win over the Nets on March 27, Redick talked about the Lakers being on a 57-58 win pace when Hachimura played before noting the following.
“So that tells you all you need to know. His ability to space the floor, his size, it’s so important for our team and our rotation.”
It was crucial on the biggest stage. Hachimura finished with 14 points, two rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on Saturday night. He made six of his ten field goals, including sinking two 3-pointers. The Lakers outscored Houston by seven in Hachimura’s 41 minutes. The most impressive stat may be what he and Ayton did to the Rockets’ offense.
The Lakers' frontcourt showed out on defense in Game 1 against Houston 💪💪💪
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 19, 2026
The duo combined to contest 32 of the Rockets' 93 FGA... holding them to 28% on those shots.
This includes 4-13 FG by Alperen Sengun. pic.twitter.com/hYZnvwsbD0
The Lakers want 3-and-D players flanking Luka Doncic. Hachimura shot 44.3 percent from 3-point range this season and is a career 39.4 percent shooter from long range. Add in the elite defense from Game 1, and Los Angeles has no choice but to bring him back.
LeBron’s future plays a role here. King James has left the door open to retiring, but nobody knows. The Lakers want to have some cap space to add to their roster. They can’t bring back everyone and expect to have money left over to add. James and Hachimura play power forward and defend similar players. They can clearly play together, but that gets complicated next to Luka and AR.
LeBron will be forced to take a pay cut if he wants to return. That may leave some money to bring back Hachimura and add another piece. The 6’8 forward just helped the Lakers win Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, and he’s just getting started. Hachimura has become the ideal 3-and-D option for the Lakers. Head coach JJ Redick knows Rui's importance, and Lakers fans saw it on full display in the playoff opener.
The Los Angeles Lakers have to bring Rui Hachimura back, but it won’t be cheap. That is the price of building a contending roster through free agency and trades over the draft. The Lakers know it all too well. It is time to pay up and secure Hachimura’s future after Game 1. He is the perfect fit and must return next season. Don’t even question it.
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