Hachimura gives Lakers a spark

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Rui Hachimura saw his minutes increase in February after being inserted into the starting lineup, and it has paid off for the Lakers. He averaged 14.5 points per game on 56.5 percent shooting from the field and 44.2 percent from three over the last month.

Hachimura is the kind of role player that fits perfectly into the Lakers rotation. Defensively, he is big and athletic enough to guard multiple positions effectively. Offensively, he can knock down open threes, find his spots in the mid-range, and drive the ball to the hoop.

“He works tirelessly on his game. The team captains, Bron and AD, are constantly encouraging him to be aggressive. The coaching staff, starting with myself, encourage him to be aggressive, but also be mindful of the details, and be a two-way player,” said Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham before the team’s 134-131 overtime win against the Washington Wizards.

Anthony Davis is the defensive leader on the team. Still, with Jared Vanderbilt out and Cam Reddish on minutes restriction after returning from injury, Los Angeles is shorthanded when it comes to on-ball defenders. Hachimura is often asked to guard the best player on opposing teams, something he is capable of.

“He has had some tough matchups recently with KD and Kawhi. He is taking those steps in that department of being a formidable on-ball defender, knowing what we are doing when he is off the ball, and making sure he is executing his assignments,” said Ham.

Playing against the team that traded him to Los Angeles last year, Hachimura’s defensive matchup was Washington leading scorer Kyle Kuzma. Hachimura rendered Kuzma ineffective for most of the game.

Kuzma did get going in the fourth quarter, but that was when Washington started using him in the screen action to force the Lakers to switch defenders.

In their comeback win over the Clippers on Feb. 28, Hachimura scored 17 points, including dropping in a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer.

Last year in the playoffs, the forward proved he is a big game player who will consistently knock down shots when the pressure is on. In 21 career playoff games, Hachimura has made 57 percent of his shots and 52 percent from distance.

It is a big enough sample size to conclude he can be relied upon in big moments, and his play was one of the reasons the Lakers made a deep playoff run last year.

“Offense is going to be there, he is fearless, he is willing to take big shots and make big shots and make decisions with the ball when teams are trying to double Bron and AD,” said Ham. “He is the outlet, and he does a great job when he makes quick decisions.”

With four of the five starters being LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers lineup that starts and finishes games is comprised of players who can create their own shot. This allows Hachimura to sit in his pocket and come open when doubles teams are inevitably sent.

To think that they acquired the talented forward for a bad Kendrick Nunn contract and three second-round picks from Washington seems like a steal. If Hachimura goes back to his bench role when Vanderbilt and Reddish ultimately return, he will be an extremely valuable sixth man.