Rui Hachimura proved that he can get to another level under the leadership of JJ Redick this season.
Welcome to our annual Lakers season in review series, where we’ll look back at each player on the team’s roster this season and evaluate if they should be part of the future of the franchise. Today, we continue with a look at Rui Hachimura.
Since becoming a Laker in 2022, few on the team have played more than Rui Hachimura. Not only because he’s now the second-longest tenured member with the purple and gold, but the 6’8” forward has also been one of the most consistent the last three years with this season being by far his best one yet.
Unlike the last two years under the Darvin Ham, Rui had a clear idea of what his role was this season: a starting 3-and-D wing that was tasked to initially fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That role changed after a couple of months as he instead slotted alongside James and Luka Doncic, which felt like a seamless transition for Hachimura.
The forward’s task was to knock down 3-pointers, cut to the basket, create his own shot off the dribble, defend as hard he could, be the glue guy on the team at times and crash the glass. These qualities were evident in Hachimura’s game for most of the season, especially in the playoffs when he stood out as one of the best-performing role players on the team.
But the 27-year-old’s consistent production was obviously not enough to take the Lakers to another level. That’s not his fault, but it’s also the reason why the Lakers continue to invest in Rui’s potential, hoping that he gets better and has his breakout season every year.
This season, he proved that he can get to that level under the leadership of JJ Redick.
How did he play?
Hachimura played 59 games in the regular season and averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds on 41.3% 3-point shooting. For a wing that’s being paid $17 million, it’s hard to complain about his production. Maybe it would’ve been nice to see him play more games but he had to nurse multiple injuries.
Still, one of the best parts about Rui’s performance this year is that it highlighted his versatility as a player. When Redick opted to fully buy into his small ball lineup, it was the seven-year forward that the coach relied on to play the five. Hachimura’s height, strength and offensive skillset are the qualities that allow him to play three positions on the court.
But for as versatile and physically gifted Hachimura is, his flaw remains evident on the defensive side of the ball. His instincts, slow foot and IQ are regularly still being exposed, which makes certain matchups difficult for him.
It’s uncertain whether or not Rui can still improve on defense given that this has been the case over the last few years, but he certainly needs to if he wants to take that leap. If he wants to be the complete two-way player that the Lakers would be determined to keep for years to come.
Regardless, this was a season that Hachimura can build on, especially after his superb showing in the playoffs where he averaged 14.8 points and 4.6 rebounds on 48.4% 3-point shooting in five games. Not only did he redeem himself after a subpar playoff performance last season but more than proved that he’s a capable fit that’s still worth investing in.
What is his contract situation moving forward?
Since Hachimura signed a three-year, $51 million extension in 2023, he’s locked in with the Lakers until 2026. He will be entering the third year of his contract next season, where he’ll earn $18 million.
Should he be back?
Yes, the Lakers’ current starting forward should be back. It’s difficult to see the team let Rui go unless a trade that they can’t pass up on presents itself again.
It’s not that Hachimura is untouchable, it’s just that it’s hard to find an upgrade or even replacement for him that earns just about $18 million. If anything, it’s more likely that he gets traded for a much-needed center but the Lakers will exhaust all options to keep him.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.