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For the past two seasons and change, Rui Hachimura has been a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The young forward came to the team in a January 2023 trade from the Washington Wizards, and that deal started to get the squad out of the purgatory it created for itself by making some bad moves during the summer of 2021.
At times, Hachimura has seemed practically invisible, especially on offense. But he has had quite a few moments when he has had a sizable impact, and in doing so, he has reminded people from time to time that he is a very capable player.
In 59 regular-season games, Hachimura averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 31.7 minutes a game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range.
In the first round of the NBA playoffs, he averaged 14.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in 36.4 minutes a game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 48.4% from 3-point range.
Coming into this season, it appeared that new Lakers head coach JJ Redick had bigger and better things planned for Hachimura. In particular, he wanted the forward to crash the offensive boards from the corners and the baseline, and it appeared he wanted Hachimura to work the baseline off the ball and set screens more often for teammates.
At times, he showed success in doing so. After shooting poorly in October and November, he averaged 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 31.7 minutes a game in December and January. His offensive rebounding numbers improved compared to past seasons, and he continued to shoot the basketball very well.
After 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith was acquired in a late December trade, some called for him to move into the starting lineup and for Hachimura to move to the bench in a sixth man or "microwave" type of role. But Redick kept the Japan native in the starting five, and once Luka Doncic arrived, Hachimura started to up his game.
Unfortunately, Hachimura was diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy after he pulled up lame during a game in late February. He missed about three weeks of action as a result, and when he returned, he said his injured knee wouldn't be 100% until the offseason. It took him a little while to regain his offensive game once he was cleared to play again.
He ended up being perhaps a barometer-type player for the Lakers this season. He averaged 9.8 shot attempts a game, and when he took at least 10 shots in a game, the Lakers were 22-7. But when he took fewer than 10 shots in a game, the team was just 14-15.
Moving forward, L.A. may want to utilize Hachimura more often in iso situations. While he is a pretty skilled one-on-one player, especially on the baseline and from the mid-range area, 81.7% of his 2-point field goals this season were assisted on. However, during his three and a half seasons with Washington, 65.1% of his 2-point baskets were assisted on.
Obviously, on a team with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, iso opportunities won't be very plentiful for Hachimura. But he could help take the load off of James and Doncic while even allowing them to work off the ball a little more often.
Hachimura, who is 27 years of age, is going into the final year of his current contract. He will make $18.26 million next season, and his name has come up in trade rumors and ideas, as he could be the odd man out if L.A. wants to make a significant improvement via the trade market.
But one shouldn't understate his value to this team. In addition to his ability to score one-on-one, he's a terrific 3-point shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, he's a strong finisher around the rim and he thrives in transition.
While he is lacking as a perimeter defender, he has the ability to hold his own while guarding big men thanks to his 6-foot-8, 230-pound frame.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers 2024-25 season player grades: Rui Hachimura
Continue reading...
At times, Hachimura has seemed practically invisible, especially on offense. But he has had quite a few moments when he has had a sizable impact, and in doing so, he has reminded people from time to time that he is a very capable player.
Rui Hachimura's season stats
In 59 regular-season games, Hachimura averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 31.7 minutes a game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range.
In the first round of the NBA playoffs, he averaged 14.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in 36.4 minutes a game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 48.4% from 3-point range.
Overall Analysis
Coming into this season, it appeared that new Lakers head coach JJ Redick had bigger and better things planned for Hachimura. In particular, he wanted the forward to crash the offensive boards from the corners and the baseline, and it appeared he wanted Hachimura to work the baseline off the ball and set screens more often for teammates.
At times, he showed success in doing so. After shooting poorly in October and November, he averaged 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 31.7 minutes a game in December and January. His offensive rebounding numbers improved compared to past seasons, and he continued to shoot the basketball very well.
After 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith was acquired in a late December trade, some called for him to move into the starting lineup and for Hachimura to move to the bench in a sixth man or "microwave" type of role. But Redick kept the Japan native in the starting five, and once Luka Doncic arrived, Hachimura started to up his game.
Unfortunately, Hachimura was diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy after he pulled up lame during a game in late February. He missed about three weeks of action as a result, and when he returned, he said his injured knee wouldn't be 100% until the offseason. It took him a little while to regain his offensive game once he was cleared to play again.
He ended up being perhaps a barometer-type player for the Lakers this season. He averaged 9.8 shot attempts a game, and when he took at least 10 shots in a game, the Lakers were 22-7. But when he took fewer than 10 shots in a game, the team was just 14-15.
Moving forward, L.A. may want to utilize Hachimura more often in iso situations. While he is a pretty skilled one-on-one player, especially on the baseline and from the mid-range area, 81.7% of his 2-point field goals this season were assisted on. However, during his three and a half seasons with Washington, 65.1% of his 2-point baskets were assisted on.
Obviously, on a team with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, iso opportunities won't be very plentiful for Hachimura. But he could help take the load off of James and Doncic while even allowing them to work off the ball a little more often.
What's next for Hachimura?
Hachimura, who is 27 years of age, is going into the final year of his current contract. He will make $18.26 million next season, and his name has come up in trade rumors and ideas, as he could be the odd man out if L.A. wants to make a significant improvement via the trade market.
But one shouldn't understate his value to this team. In addition to his ability to score one-on-one, he's a terrific 3-point shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, he's a strong finisher around the rim and he thrives in transition.
While he is lacking as a perimeter defender, he has the ability to hold his own while guarding big men thanks to his 6-foot-8, 230-pound frame.
Overall grade: B/B-plus
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers 2024-25 season player grades: Rui Hachimura
Continue reading...
