Lakers' Rui Hachimura Emerges as Unsung Key to Team's Success

JJ Redick highlights Hachimura's impact as the Lakers surge up the Western Conference standings.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Lakers basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the team's energy and movement on the court.Rui Hachimura's unsung contributions have been a key factor in the Lakers' surge up the Western Conference standings.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past few weeks, climbing up the Western Conference standings. While much of the credit has gone to stars like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, former player JJ Redick believes one of the unsung keys to the Lakers' success has been forward Rui Hachimura.

Why it matters

Hachimura has quietly become a crucial glue piece for the Lakers, providing reliable three-point shooting, defense, and versatility to complement the team's star talent. His impact is highlighted by the Lakers' 42-18 record when he plays, a 57-58 win pace over a full season.

The details

Redick pointed out that the Lakers have struggled to a 6-8 record when Hachimura is off the floor, underscoring his importance. This season, Hachimura is averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field and 43.4% from three-point range, which ranks 7th in the NBA. Over the past three seasons, he's quietly become one of the league's most efficient three-point shooters, posting above a 40% clip each year.

  • The Lakers have been on a hot streak over the last few weeks, pushing their way up the Western Conference standings.

The players

Rui Hachimura

A forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who has emerged as a key role player, providing reliable three-point shooting, defense, and versatility to complement the team's star talent.

JJ Redick

A former NBA player who is now an analyst, and who highlighted Hachimura's impact on the Lakers' success this season.

Luka Doncic

One of the Lakers' star players, along with Austin Reaves and LeBron James, who have led the team's surge up the standings.

Austin Reaves

One of the Lakers' star players, along with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who have led the team's surge up the standings.

LeBron James

One of the Lakers' star players, along with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have led the team's surge up the standings.

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What they’re saying

“We are now 42-18 when Rui plays, which is a 57-58-win pace. That tells you all you need to know, his ability to space the floor, his size, it's important for our team and our rotation.”

— JJ Redick, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The Lakers will look to continue their strong play and secure a top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, with Rui Hachimura playing a key role in their success.

The takeaway

Rui Hachimura has emerged as an unsung hero for the Lakers, providing crucial three-point shooting, defense, and versatility that has helped the team surge up the standings. His impact is highlighted by the team's struggles when he's off the floor, underscoring his importance as a complementary piece to the Lakers' star talent.