Lakers have an impossible to solve Rui Hachimura problem

The Los Angeles Lakers would love to start Marcus Smart over Rui Hachimura, but Jovan Buha noted that the 6’8 forward has preferred to start in recent years. Head coach JJ Redick needs a point of attack defender in his opening group. With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton locked in, the Lakers must use Smart. That only works if Hachimura is bought into the sixth man role and producing like fans know he can.

This is Luka Doncic’s team now. Hachimura is on an expiring contract and playing for his future in LA. He must buy into his role and make open shots to stick with the franchise. The 6’8 forward played a key role in the Lakers’ run to the conference finals in 2023 as he came off the bench. The Lakers need that Hachimura to return.

If he starts, Hachimura must be the Lakers’ point of attack defender. Fans saw him struggle in that role last season. Coming off the bench puts him in a better position to succeed, but only if Hachimura embraces that role.

Lakers face Rui Hachimura problem with no easy solution

For his career, Hachimura has improved his efficiency from the field and 3-point range as a starter. His true shooting percentage is 1.2 percent higher as his usage decreases.

The splits have been even more drastic during his time as a Laker. In 2024, Hachimura averaged 15.4 points and 4.8 rebounds on 57.5 percent shooting from the field and 43.9 percent on his 3-point attempts in 30.1 minutes per game over his 39 starts. Those numbers all dipped in a reserve role, including an 8.6 percent drop in his true shooting percentage.

Hachimura sees himself as a starter and thrives in that role. If the Lakers want his confidence to be up, they must put him in his preferred spot.

Head coach JJ Redick faces an impossible decision. The best solution may be starting Hachimura for the first six minutes before bringing Smart off the bench. The new guard wants to start and has played his best in the opening group, which further complicates matters.

One of these two must embrace a bench role. It is ideal for the Lakers if Hachimura is that player, but there are zero guarantees. The 27-year-old will be a free agent next summer, and he wants a massive payday. Proving he is a starter with a two-way impact on a contender will do wonders in earning him that new deal.

This could be an ongoing struggle for coach Redick and his staff throughout the season. The last thing the Lakers need is another distraction.

The Los Angeles Lakers should bring Rui Hachimura off the bench, but it may limit his production. It is a risk worth taking for superior lineup balance. Hopefully, Hachimura buys in and thrives in a reserve role. If not, he may be searching for a new home before the deadline. That may be the only way to successfully solve this problem. Lakers fans won’t like that, but that is the way it goes sometimes.