Hachimura Warns Lakers Must Match Rockets' Physicality in Playoffs

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura expects a bruising first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:07am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense physicality and competitive energy of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, with sharp lines and planes of purple, gold, red, and blue colors.A cubist interpretation of the physical, high-stakes battle between the Lakers and Rockets in the NBA playoffs.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura is warning his team that they must be prepared for a physical series against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Hachimura knows from experience that the intensity and physicality ramps up significantly in the postseason, and the Rockets are a team that thrives on that style of play. With the Lakers already short-handed due to injuries, Hachimura says he will need to be more aggressive offensively to help make up for the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Why it matters

The Lakers-Rockets first-round matchup is expected to be a bruising, physical series, and the Lakers will need to match that intensity if they want to advance. Hachimura's leadership and ability to set the tone will be crucial, especially with key players out due to injury.

The details

Hachimura, who has shot a career-best 44.3% from 3-point range this season, says he will need to be more aggressive offensively with Doncic and Reaves sidelined. He has worked extensively on his 3-point shooting since joining the Lakers, and the team will rely on his outside shooting to help space the floor. Hachimura also emphasized the importance of veteran guard Marcus Smart, who recently returned from an ankle injury, in providing additional toughness and physicality to match the Rockets.

  • The Lakers will host Game 1 of their first-round series against the Rockets on Saturday.
  • Game 2 will be played the following Tuesday before the series shifts to Houston.

The players

Rui Hachimura

A seven-year NBA veteran who was acquired by the Lakers midseason and has emerged as a key 3-point shooting threat for the team.

Marcus Smart

A veteran guard for the Lakers who recently returned from an ankle injury and will provide additional toughness and physicality to help the team match the Rockets.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player who will miss the first-round series against the Rockets due to injury.

Austin Reaves

A key role player for the Lakers who will also miss the first-round series against the Rockets due to injury.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who emphasized the need for the team to be prepared for the Rockets' physicality.

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What they’re saying

“I know the playoffs is a totally different game. Every year I've learned that after the first game of the playoffs, the next day is really sore because of how physical we get. Especially playing Houston, Houston's a very physical team, an athletic team, so we got to be ready for that.”

— Rui Hachimura, Lakers Forward

“Especially with Luka and Austin out, we need more shooting with this team. I got to be more aggressive on both ends, but especially on offense.”

— Rui Hachimura, Lakers Forward

What’s next

The Lakers and Rockets will tip off Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, with Game 2 following on Tuesday before the series shifts to Houston.

The takeaway

The Lakers will need to match the Rockets' physicality and intensity if they want to advance in the playoffs, and Rui Hachimura will be a key player in setting that tone. His improved 3-point shooting and willingness to be more aggressive offensively will be crucial with key players out due to injury.