The Los Angeles Lakers brought Rui Hachimura off the bench for the first time this season, and it solved their starting lineup issues. They needed better balance in their opening group, and fans have been clamoring for head coach JJ Redick to replace Hachimura with a more defensive-minded option. It finally happened after Rui missed seven games with a calf injury.
The Lakers' starting lineup when everyone is healthy has a negative-19.9 net rating over 85 minutes this season. Austin Reaves is injured. The group featuring Marcus Smart replacing AR has a negative-26.0 net rating. It is the lineup that coach Redick started on Tuesday night that had a 6.3 net rating. They were fantastic against the Hawks, and it gave the LA better balance.
Hachimura was healthy enough to play on Monday night, but coach Redick kept him out on the first night of a back-to-back. Rui had just seven points and two rebound in 18 minutes in the victory over the Hawks, but the change seemed to help both units.
Lakers fans were right about Rui Hachimura coming off the bench
The Lakers were tied for last in benching scoring coming into the game, but they topped their average in the opening half against the Hawks. LA had 16 bench points in the first 24 minutes.
They played small in the second unit with Jaxson Hayes out, but Hachimura gives them another shooter, cutter, and defender. Los Angeles needs all those traits, especially in the second unit, where the Lakers were struggling to do anything with Austin Reaves and Rui out.
It also boosted the starting five’s production. The Lakers made shots after missing everything in Sacramento. They had 81 points at halftime and finally got a locked-in Deandre Ayton after a rough stretch. The Lakers are better equipped to defend with Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia starting next to Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Ayton.
LA needs Rui’s scoring and shooting in the second unit. They had been forced to use Nick Smith Jr. to give them an offensive leap off the bench. With Hachimura taking over that role, the Lakers don’t have to worry about where the scoring is coming from. Redick will stagger his stars, and Rui can be the number two option when the reserves get run.
Lakers fans have been asking for Smart to replace Rui since training camp. They need a strong perimeter defender next to Luka in the backcourt. Los Angeles would love to trade for an upgrade, but Smart is their best current option. The balance he provides is a must if the Lakers want to be a serious contender.
Rui Hachimura’s production has fallen off when coming off the bench throughout his career. The Lakers must keep the 27-year-old engaged and maximize his production in the second unit. There should be more shots available with just one star in the game, which makes this the ideal move for everyone.
The Los Angeles Lakers must bring Rui Hachimura off the bench moving forward. Coach Redick said they are doing it because the 6’8 forward has a minute restriction, but fans know it should stick. LA needs Smart in the opening group against the best teams. Hopefully, this experiment will turn permanent. If not, the struggles could return for the Lakers.