The Los Angeles Lakers saw Rui Hachimura thrive in his bench role in a 129-118 win over the Bulls in Chicago on Monday night. Fans were wondering how the 6’8 forward would adjust, but he made it clear he’s embracing the change (subscription required). Hachimura knows he’s getting more shots and doing the things he prefers coming off the bench. All of that was on full display in the Windy City win.
Hachimura finished with 23 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes of action on Monday night. He made nine of his 11 field goal attempts, including sinking four 3-pointers, as the Lakers outscored the Bulls by 22 with him on the floor. Hachimura got more shots than Jake LaRavia, who replaced him in the starting five, and was doing all the little things.
It was a fantastic performance from Hachimura, and the Lakers wouldn’t have dominated this game without him. Los Angeles was locked in on defense and looked like a serious title threat. Hachimura deserves a ton of credit for embracing his role. The veteran is on an expiring contract, but he knows winning is most important.
Rui Hachimura immediately proved he has no issues coming off the bench
Before this season, Hachimura had played significantly better as a starter during his time in purple and gold. It had some fans wondering if he would embrace a bench role, and things are further complicated by his contract status. Hachimura said the right things in his interview with The Athletic’s Dan Woike, and he proved it was real in his first chance to show it on the floor.
Rui perfectly described what it is like operating as a role player off a superstar. It can be difficult adjusting to not touching the ball, but he is finally embracing doing everything else. Going to the bench opens up more shots and allows Hachimura to shine. He won’t shoot as he did in Chicago often, but it shows the 27-year-old is serious about thriving in his role.
Hachimura said the following quote in The Athletic piece.
“I like my role here,” he 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.”
He clearly wants to stay in Los Angeles and play for a contender. The Lakers are better with Hachimura coming off the bench. He is an elite shooter, but gets a more suitable defensive role coming off the bench. Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Hachimura are best when guarding power forwards at this stage. Their defensive matchups can be a bit problematic with all three players on the floor.
Hachimura can help his team win as he did on Monday night, and it is on Lakers head coach JJ Redick to maximize his production.
There was no stopping Rui Hachimura in the Windy City, and the Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to sign him to a reasonable long-term contract. They are going to need shooters playing off Luka Doncic for years to come. Hachimura fits the timeline and is embracing his role.
That is exactly what the purple and gold need. Credit to the 6’8 forward for transforming his game to help the Lakers win. It isn’t easy, but team over individual is what the franchise needs.