Rui Hachimura has been an important role player for the Los Angeles Lakers, not just in the postseason, but all season long. He has earned the trust of JJ Redick and the coaching staff. Hachimura is leading the Lakers in minutes throughout the first two games.
Hachimura’s Playoff Preparation
Hachimura said he was ready for the increased load in the playoffs. He said he was building his body throughout the long season. Hachimura said he did a lot of recovery during the season, including lifting, to prepare for the playoffs.
“I was ready for that and yea it’s high minutes for me, but it’s not that bad,” Hachimura said after the Lakers’ Game 2 win. “I’ve been preparing through fine. I’ve been locked in on the defensive side and whatever we have to execute. So I was living for this moment.
Hachimura is averaging 42 minutes so far in the series against the Houston Rockets. He has delivered on both sides of the court.
Impact on Both Sides of the Court
Hachimura is shooting 50% from 3-point range. He has also been huge on defence. In Game 1, he had three steals and two blocks.
Hachimura has long been one of the most important role players for the Lakers. He has grown into one of the most consistent 3-point shooters in the entire league. Hachimura is also making great strides defensively.
With the Lakers not having Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to start these playoffs, Redick has had to shorten his rotation even more, which means big minutes for Hachimura. As he said, Hachimura was ready to take that on.
Looking Ahead to Houston
He and the rest of the Lakers will have to continue this high level of play as the series shifts to Houston. Redick will be relying on him once again.
The Lakers have maintained that they believe in the players they have at their disposal and Kennard says this team must continue to believe in themselves and what they can do.
Very few gave the Lakers a chance heading into the postseason without their two leading scorers, yet they still find themselves with a 2-0 lead.