Ahead of Friday’s matchup with Dallas, Rui Hachimura said he’s satisfied with the role he has with the Lakers, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter video link).
“I’m not trying to be a superstar. … I’m just trying to help the team win — whatever they ask,” Hachimura said. “I like my role here … I’m really trying to win the championship with this team. I like how they’ve been treating me. … So, I’m happy.”
The former lottery pick (No. 9 overall in 2019) has gotten off to a strong offensive start in 2025/26, averaging 14.9 points per game on elite efficiency (.568/.483/.735 shooting line) while chipping in 3.9 rebounds per game through 16 outings (33.5 MPG). The 27-year-old forward is earning approximately $18.3MM this season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 if he doesn’t sign an extension before then.
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- Hachimura admitted he hasn’t gotten used to seeing Anthony Davis in an opposing team’s uniform, according to Khobi Price of The Southern California News Group (Twitter video link). “It’s still weird sometimes when I see him on the TV or like, when I play against him. It feels weird,” Hachimura said. Davis returned to action on Friday for his first game against his former team after missing a month with a calf strain. The 10-time All-Star received a “warm reception” from Lakers fans when he was introduced as a starter for the Mavericks, tweets Mark Medina.
- In an EssentiallySports interview with Medina, free agent addition Jake LaRavia says he’s enjoying his time with Los Angeles, adding that the “vibes on our team are very good.” “It’s been great,” LaRavia told Medina. “We have a great group of guys. Just to be able to play with AR (Austin Reaves), Luka (Doncic) and ‘Bron (LeBron James) has really been beneficial for me. It’s a very exciting team. It’s a great city. There are great fans. So the whole experience so far has been really good.”
- After previously being listed as questionable, Marcus Smart was then downgraded to doubtful and then out ahead of Friday’s game, as McMenamin relays (via Twitter). The former Defensive Player of the Year is dealing with back spasms.
- Mavericks guard Max Christie, who was included alongside Davis in the blockbuster trade for Doncic, downplayed the significance of facing his former team again. “It’s the same. I mean I was here last year, too. I’m a Maverick so I’m not really thinking about it like that. It’s just another game,” Christie said (Twitter link via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News). “It feels good. It’s cool to be back. Just another game.”
Watching Davis tonight, you can really see He wants to win here. A lot of pride against the team that sort of gave up on him It seems.
He should’ve wanted to win as a Laker.
He didn’t?
I thought the Lakers never gave up on him, they just saw an opportunity to be a better team with Luka…😃
AD get a tribute video?
He did last year. Are they supposed to give him one every time he plays in LA?
Rui is really a special role player. Problem is, he can’t see the ball unless it’s in his hands. I know he’s kept on the wing and corner but he has no hustle at all. He’s a special talent for what he does well, but he’s really bad at what he doesn’t do well. This roster needs him, though. And a littler bit more ball recognition and a get-to-it-ivness.
Luka, Bron and Reaves will play a total of around 18 minutes per game together. That leaves 30 minutes when only one or two of those guys are on the floor (usually two if both healthy).
Both Bron and Luka are best at guarding forwards. Reaves should be guarding 2’s. The Lakers should have Rui coming off the bench and playing when only one or two of their stars are on the court. It will be good for the team and Rui:
1. Rui will get a lot more touches on offense then.
2. Rui can play forwards on defense.
3. Lakers can use Smart as point of attack defender when the three stars are in the court.
4. Vincent or LaRavia can play point of attack defender on back ups.
5. Lakers have plenty of punch on offense with the three stars and Ayton on the court. Rui with only that stats will add more offensive punch and outlet opening up the court more.
6. Smart’s inefficiency on offense can be hidden much more with the three stars on the court.
Agree Johnny
I’ve been the biggest Rui fan on here but agree w smart over him in the starting lineup to get Rui to bolster the sub par bench scoring
I’m still holding out 20% hope Vando can be a 18 minute a game thing for us being a pest on the perimeter causing mayhem and giving that energy that gets the crowd/ team going
The problem is that not not is Vando a liability on offense, but he is to a degree on defense too. He makes silly mistakes. Plus, he guards forwards and the last thing the Lakers need are more people guarding forwards
I’d take LaRavia guarding a shooting guard or a small forward over Vando any day.
Vandos been great as a Poa before but agree the silly mistakes are everywhere with him …. Hell even when he’s on the bench he’s able to draw technicals or distract teammates
Imagine combining Rui Hachimura and Andre Drummond in the cloning machine?
The truth about AD is he misses games. As a Laker he avg 54 gms. Not counting CovidTitle (64 gms). He has always complained about playing center. With the league going more small ball. Lakers wanted him at center more. He now has the opportunity to play only PF in Dallas. So is he going to play. Or is he going to find ways to sit out …….. AD misses games.
Reaves has been super hot lately and meshing well with Luka – if that continues they’re going to be very dangerous in the playoffs this season.
When they can focus scouting one team in the playoffs, the Lakers will be very dangerous with those two AND Bron.
OKC tries to trap Luka with two or three of their players then Luka can get it out to Reaves or Bron and now those guys have a 4 on three or even two attack. They need scouting and focus on OKC to see where OKC likes to trap and how to overcome it. Harder to do with one game here or there, especially last game when OKC was second game of back to back.
Bron is still very effective as a passer and scorer with advantage plays. Let’s not dismiss him like he is nothing.