Rui Hachimura
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura during a game against the Sacramento Kings in October 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to figure out the right method to playoff contention behind their trio of stars. All role players will have to be flexible when it comes to the minutes and roles offered to them. Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves all demand the ball and need to have plays running the offense to be effective.
Role player Rui Hachimura has been asked to play different roles, from starting and playing 40 minutes some nights to his recent bench role coming off an injury. Hachimura shared the following about the Lakers using him off the bench:
“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning. That’s going to help us to everybody get paid. And especially with this second unit, I get more touches too. I don’t mind. It’s more so like, who’s finishing the game? Or who’s playing more? For me, that’s more important.”
Previous rumors suggested that Hachimura would be frustrated if asked to come off the bench long-term for the rest of the season. However, this quote confirms that’s not true since he likes getting more touches with the second unit and expanding his role.
Will Rui Hachimura Continue Bench Role?
The Lakers work better when Hachimura comes off the bench with the current starting rotation. Reaves has been out for over a month due to injury, but Hachimura still makes more sense off the bench as a forward. Jake LaRavia has emerged as a starter for the Lakers, with Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton fitting the other starting positions.
Hachimura would have to replace LaRavia as the other starting forward, but JJ Redick trusts LaRavia’s shooting more this season. Reaves will eventually replace Smart in the lineup since the Lakers can’t risk having too many guards on the court at the same time.
The quote likely stems from Hachimura seeing the writing on the wall and wanting to be a team player who embraces his bench role. Redick often plays Hachimura in the important closing fourth quarter minutes, which remains more important to most players than being announced in the starting lineup.
Will Rui Hachimura Get Traded Soon?
Another interesting aspect of this story is the Lakers trying to get active at the trade deadline. Only ten days are left for the Lakers to make any trades to upgrade the roster before they are locked into this unit for the rest of the season.
Hachimura is a popular name mentioned since his salary is likely needed to acquire any game changer player. Cheap secondary players would likely be acquired without including Hachimura, but the names that fans want will require the Lakers to add salary to match deals.
Regardless, Hachimura has proven himself to be a professional in the stressful Lakers role. Constant change can cause NBA players to regress, but Hachimura has found a way to contribute in various roles for the Lakers. A commitment to doing his best off the bench makes Hachimura more valuable to Redick and the Lakers organization.