Despite a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers have kicked off the NBA season in strong fashion, showcasing a markedly improved team compared to last year. Rui Hachimura has experienced significant growth and shared the reasons for his success.
Following a victory over the Sacramento Kings, Hachimura spoke with reporters and credited his teammates for his strong start. “Playing with LeBron, AD, AR [Austin Reaves], D’Lo, those guys can pass and they’re always looking, watching,” Hachimura said.
“I trust them, and they know I’m good at it. So I think those chemistries we’ve been working on since day one, since I got here, and it’s getting better,” he continued. “It’s just the timing. When my defender loses vision because of the attention they get… it’s just the timing when they turn their heads… they always see me.”
The Lakers began the season with three consecutive home wins but faced a setback at the beginnig of their five-game road trip with the loss to the Suns. Before returning to Los Angeles, LeBron James’ squad will face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Memphis Grizzlies.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns reacts as Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs the court during the second half at Footprint Center. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Hachimura’s role under JJ Redick
Last season, under head coach Darvin Ham, Hachimura struggled for playing time during a disappointing Lakers campaign. However, with JJ Redick now at the helm, he has started all four games and appears to have gained the confidence he was missing.
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Through the Lakers’ first four games of the season, Hachimura is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He’s shooting 43.9 percent from the field, 61.5 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
Hachimura says team’s mindset has shifted
Hachimura also emphasized a notable shift in the team’s mindset compared to last season. “I told you guys before the season started, last year we were kind of messing around, like you guys saw that,” he said.
“Just the lineup, everything, injuries, all that. We didn’t have the mindset of, ‘OK, let’s take No. 1 in the West.’” He added, “We didn’t have that mindset, but this year, I think we have that since we started training camp.”
