Rui Hachimura has spent most of his Lakers career as a fixture in the starting lineup, but that role has changed since his return from a calf injury.
Hachimura shut down any concerns about his mindset, making it clear that his priorities are simple.
A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me its like winning. Thats gonna help us to everybody get paid, Hachimura told Dan Woike of The Athletic. And especially with this second unit, I get more touches too. I dont mind. Its more so like, whos finishing the game? Or whos playing more? For me, thats more important.
Since joining the Lakers, Hachimura has steadily expanded his impact.
He has developed into the teams most reliable three-point shooter, while also improving his rebounding and defensive effort.
Now, with Jake LaRavia holding onto a starting spot and Austin Reaves nearing a return from injury, head coach JJ Redick is navigating a lineup that remains fluid.
Its funny. I think I got used to it. Its four years here, and [the] first three years I was, I didnt know what to do, Hachimura said. If I didnt touch the ball for like whole quarter, like, its done for me. I cant do anything for the game, but now Im used to it. I think its more so the mental. When I had that always I used to think Oh f. Like I couldnt shoot. I didnt touch the ball. But now, Im trying to think OK, what I can do to help to win this game? Rebound, box out, help defense. Those are little movements thats gonna keep me into the game. So then, when I get to the ball, Im still in rhythm.
I like my role here, Hachimura said. The things that I like to do, Im doing here. I just gotta embrace doing whatever it takes to win for the team.
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