One of the more popular subjects of the Los Angeles Lakers offseason has been the topic of the starting lineup. Primarily, that discussion has circulated around the fifth starter spot and whether Rui Hachimura or Marcus Smart gets to occupy that last position. Hachimura quietly made his case.
Jovan Buha picked up on some selective language used by the Lakers forward at Media Day, relaying the message to his audience on Buha's Block. The reporter asked both Hachimura and Smart about their roles when they were up on the podium.
Buha explained that both players suggested they ultimately did not care whether they came off the bench. For Smart, it was about making an impact and taking advantage of the opportunity to put the last two forgettable years of his career behind him.
Hachimura told Buha that decision ultimately came down to JJ Redick, and what he cared about most was the minutes themselves. The 27-year-old did let slip an interesting tidbit about his chemistry and continuity with the rest of the starting group, suggesting there might be a preference regarding his role in between those lines.
Rui Hachimura’s quiet approach speaks volumes about his intentions
For anyone curious in the exact response that Hachimura told Buha, this was the quote from Lakers Media Day.
Hachimura said, "We've been building the chemistry. I've been starting five for two, three years. Whatever they decide, I have to do it. It's just a matter of the chemistry, how we can build and we can be on the court together and how we can give an impact."
It is understandable why the takeaway from that response would be a subtle hint towards wanting a starting spot. For Hachimura, no one can really blame him for desiring that prominent role right now either.
Hachimura is entering a contract year in 2025-26. The Japanese hooper is set to earn close to $18.3 million in the final year of his three-year, $51 million deal. If Hachimura wants a big payday in Los Angeles, or elsewhere, in the summer of 2026, being a starter is his best opportunity to get one.
According to StatMuse, when starting with the Lakers, his averages are 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Off the bench with Los Angeles, Hachimura has posted 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.
Granted, a lot of that does have to do with the minutes, as suggested. Hachimura averaged 30.9 minutes per game as a starter, and only 21.6 as a bench player.
If Smart does indeed relegate him to the bench, Hachimura should still be expected to be play large minutes off the bench in a Sixth Man role. For Rui, though, that just does not come with the same security of reliably running with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton.