Rui Hachimura Is Thriving in His Role - And That’s Exactly What the Lakers Need
Rui Hachimura isn’t trying to be the star of the show in Los Angeles - and that’s precisely why he’s been such a perfect fit. On a roster packed with high-usage talent like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, Hachimura has carved out a lane that’s all about efficiency, spacing, and doing the little things that win games. And he’s doing it better than ever.
"I'm not trying to be a superstar or anything," Hachimura said recently. "I'm just trying to help the team win - whatever they ask for.
I like my role here... I'm really trying to win the championship with this team."
That mindset is gold for a team with championship aspirations. In a league where role clarity can make or break a season, Hachimura’s self-awareness and buy-in have made him a quietly essential piece of the Lakers’ early success.
A Role Player Who Plays It Perfectly
The Lakers didn’t bring in Hachimura to carry the offense or anchor the defense. They brought him in to complement the stars - and he’s delivering in spades.
His defense can have its lapses, sure, but on the offensive end, he’s been a model of low-maintenance impact. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make a difference, and he’s not forcing shots.
What he is doing is spacing the floor, knocking down open looks, and playing within the flow of the game.
Through the early stretch of the 2025-26 season, Hachimura is putting up a career-best 14.8 points per game. But it’s not just the scoring - it’s how he’s doing it.
He’s shooting a blistering 54.5% from the field, 46.1% from three, and posting a true shooting percentage of 65.2%. Those are elite numbers for any player, let alone a guy who’s often the fourth or fifth option on the floor.
For a Lakers team that ranks 21st in the league in 3-point shooting (35.0%), Hachimura’s efficiency from beyond the arc is more than just a bonus - it’s a lifeline. Without his contributions, that number could be significantly worse. His ability to stretch defenses and make teams pay for helping off him creates much-needed space for LeBron and Doncic to operate in the paint.
Low Maintenance, High Impact
One of the most valuable traits in a role player is consistency - and Hachimura has been as steady as they come. Whether he’s coming off the bench or sliding into the starting lineup, he brings the same energy, the same discipline, and the same willingness to do whatever the team needs.
You won’t find him demanding touches or hunting stats. He’s more than content to be the guy who makes the offense hum a little smoother, the guy who hits the open corner three, or the guy who quietly racks up 15 efficient points while the stars grab the headlines.
And it’s not going unnoticed. Head coach JJ Redick has clearly earned Hachimura’s trust, and the Lakers forward has been vocal about how much he appreciates the role he’s been given - and how well the coaching staff has supported him in it.
A Winning Formula
At 15-4 and riding a seven-game winning streak, the Lakers are clicking. And while Hachimura isn’t the engine driving the success, he’s the kind of piece that helps keep the machine running smoothly. He’s the glue guy, the floor-spacer, the reliable option who doesn’t need the spotlight to make a big impact.
And that’s exactly what this team needs.
In a league where stars dominate the conversation, players like Rui Hachimura often fly under the radar. But make no mistake - his role is vital.
He’s not trying to be the headline. He’s just trying to win.
And right now, the Lakers are doing plenty of that.