Imagine being Rui Hachimura. The Los Angeles Lakers forward gets to navigate defenses with the type of comfort and ease that players dream of thanks to the presence of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. That fact is not taken for granted by Rui in the slightest.
"I'm not trying to be a superstar or anything," Hachimura told the media (h/t Dave McMenamin). "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. I like how they've been treating me, giving the roles and everything."
Hachimura appreciated how good his head coach, JJ Redick, has been to him. There was clearly no taking for granted just how ideal the situation in Los Angeles has been on the whole for the 27-year-old.
In return, Hachimura continues to provide exactly what the Lakers would want from him. There are some shortcomings that can be critiqued with his defense. However, his fit as a low maintenance compliment on the offensive end is invaluable to a team with the star power that the Lakers have.
Rui Hachimura is the perfect complementary weapon for the Lakers
When Rob Pelinka and the front office made the move to free Hachimura from the Washington Wizards, the sharpshooting forward was positioned to play the most meaningful basketball of his time in the NBA. Rui has fully bought in to every little bit that an elite role player must deliver in that environment.
So far in the 2025-26 season, Hachimura is averaging a career high 14.8 points per game. That comes with the best field goal percentage (54.5), 3-point percentage (46.1), and true shooting percentage (65.2) of his NBA career too.
His ability to space the floor delivers a much-needed element that has otherwise largely eluded the Lakers. Los Angeles ranks 21st in the NBA when it comes to 3-point percentage (35.0). Without Hachimura in the mix, that number would probably be a whole lot worse.
There has never been an issue with getting Rui to do whatever is necessary for the team. Whether it be coming off the bench and providing a spark, or supporting the starters, Hachimura has been as reliable as Santa Claus on Christmas.
The Lakers are 15-4 and enjoying a seven-game winning streak. Is Hachimura the driving force behind that success? No. Is Rui always happy to be a supportive passenger, making the ride a much easier one? Absolutely.