Rui Hachimura News: Massive workload in win Rui Hachimura played a significant role in his team’s 142-130 victory over Chicago on Thursday, contributing 15 points (6 of 10 from the field, 3 of 5 from beyond the arc), along with one rebound, one assist, and one steal across 40 minutes of action. Despite the return of LeBron James to the lineup, Hachimura carried a heavy workload as the team dealt with the absence of several key players. His performance underscored his importance to the roster during this stretch of the season. Over his past seven games, Hachimura has averaged 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.1 three-pointers per contest, while logging 27.8 minutes per game. His ability to step up in high-pressure situations has been a consistent factor in the team’s recent success. The 40-minute effort against Chicago marked another instance of his durability and adaptability, as he continued to contribute despite the challenges of a shortened roster. The game’s outcome highlighted the team’s reliance on players like Hachimura to fill critical roles when key contributors are unavailable. His efficiency from both inside and outside the arc, combined with his defensive contributions, made him a valuable asset in the victory. As the season progresses, his ability to manage a heavy workload while maintaining productivity will be crucial for the team’s success.#season #team #lebron_james #chicago #rui_hachimura
Lakers' Rui Hachimura to Start from Bench Against Nuggets Rui Hachimura will not start for the Los Angeles Lakers in their matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, according to reports from The Athletic. The decision comes as the team welcomes back Marcus Smart, who has returned from injury and is expected to take a starting role. Hachimura, who has been a key contributor for the Lakers, has started in all of the team’s previous four games but will now enter the game as a bench player. The 25-year-old forward has been a consistent performer for the Lakers, averaging 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers per game over his last five contests. He has played an average of 30.6 minutes per game during that span, showcasing his ability to impact the game despite the increased workload. His presence on the floor has been crucial for the Lakers’ offensive output, particularly in their recent victories. Hachimura’s bench role for Saturday’s game is part of the Lakers’ strategic adjustments as they navigate the NBA season. The team’s coaching staff has been balancing the minutes of key players while ensuring the roster remains competitive. Smart’s return adds depth to the backcourt, allowing the Lakers to manage their star players’ minutes more effectively. The decision to move Hachimura to the bench highlights the team’s focus on maintaining player health and optimizing lineups for different matchups. While Hachimura’s absence from the starting lineup may be a setback for the Lakers’ offensive firepower, his ability to contribute off the bench remains a valuable asset. The team will rely on his scoring and playmaking to keep the game competitive, especially against a Nuggets squad that has shown resilience in recent weeks.#lakers #denver_nuggets #marcus_smart #rui_hachimura #nba_season
Luke Kennard is already threatening to lead the Lakers in one crucial category Luke Kennard was brought in to make it rain from beyond the arc. The new Los Angeles Lakers sharpshooter has done just that 11 games into his stint in Hollywood. Kennard has been so effective that he is already pushing to be the statistical leader in one key category for the Lakers. It is not secret to anyone in Los Angeles that the second unit has been incredibly ineffective in 2025-26. The Lakers rank 29th in the NBA when it comes to bench scoring, only outpacing the Houston Rockets in that category. The poor scoring efforts have left the team lacking in another category too. The Lakers rank 29th in the NBA when it comes to 3-pointers made from their bench, only placing higher than the woeful shooters of the Orlando Magic. This area has been so lacking throughout 2025-26 that Kennard is already well on his way to being the team leader from any individual player. Kennard has appeared in 10 games off the bench for the Lakers. In those outings, the veteran sniper has pocketed 15 made 3-point shots. That puts him halfway to Dalton Knecht, who leads the category with 30 made triples as a part of the second unit for Los Angeles in his 45 appearances. Luke Kennard is quickly becoming the Lakers' most dangerous bench threat At his current pace, Kennard would be projected to overtake Knecht in about 10 more games played. There is one caveat that could make that journey more challenging, though. Rui Hachimura is known to be a threat from the perimeter for the Lakers. Hachimura has also been moved back to the bench permanently for some time now. Rui is tied for second on the team with Gabe Vincent from 3-pointers made off the bench with 28. That number is not going to sit still.#lakers #gabriel_vincent #dalton_knecht #rui_hachimura #luke_kennard
Rui Hachimura's Physicality Key to Lakers' Dominance Over Warriors and Kings LOS ANGELES – Marcus Smart’s philosophy of “the toughest team sets the rules” has become a guiding principle for the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly in recent games. While the team has struggled to consistently embody this mindset throughout the season, Rui Hachimura believes the Lakers have made strides in recent matchups, especially after back-to-back victories over the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. These wins hinged on the Lakers’ ability to assert physical dominance from the outset, a factor that often goes unnoticed in traditional statistics but is critical to controlling the game’s tempo. The Lakers’ recent dominance against the Warriors and Kings was built on their aggressive approach to defense, relentless effort in rebounding, and commitment to small, often overlooked details like diving for loose balls and securing rebounds. Hachimura emphasized the importance of maintaining this intensity, noting that the team’s ability to set the tone early in games has been a key factor in their recent success. “When we did that today in the game [against the Kings], the game [against the Warriors], I think we set the tone,” he said after the win against the Kings. “That’s why we were able to control the whole game. We have to keep doing it. We have to make those plays and those small things. We have to keep building.” Hachimura’s return to the Lakers’ lineup after a two-game absence due to illness marked a pivotal moment in the team’s recent surge. In his first game back, he contributed eight points while shooting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc in over 22 minutes. Since his return from a calf injury in mid-January, Hachimura has averaged 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 50.1% from the field, 44.#los_angeles_lakers #sacramento_kings #golden_state_warriors #marcus_smart #rui_hachimura
