Lakers Forward Opens Up About Recent Role Change

Hachimura said that while he may have cared about touches in the first three years as a Laker, his fourth is defined by doing the little things, a staple of head coach JJ Redick’s philosophy.

“But now, I’m trying to think ‘OK, what I can do to help to win this game?” Hachimura told Woike. “Rebound, box out, help defense. Those are little movements that’s gonna keep me into the game. So then, when I get to the ball, I’m still in rhythm.”

Hachimura’s willingness to win along the margins is vital toward his success with the second unit, a group struggling to score even after his addition. If he can stay consistent on offense while stifling critics with his defense—as seen in the following viral sequence—then Hachimura will be just fine in the back half of the season.

Debate Over Lakers’ Fifth Starter When Reaves Returns

With Hachimura accepting his new role, the focus is now on who replaces him in the starting five when Austin Reaves (calf strain) returns. In that case, it’s a battle between the Lakers’ recent additions: Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart, who each bring compelling cases to remain starters going forward.

LaRavia, who replaced Hachimura in the first unit, is averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists since Dec. 30. He is also shooting 48.2% from the field, 38.5% from three and 85% from the free-throw line. Despite some inconsistencies in scoring, he has fantastic two-way skills that allow him to thrive with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. He’s a pivotal 3-and-D wing with the size to boot (6’7”, 235 lbs) and is a decent temporary solution to LA’s lingering problem.

Smart, the defensive-minded veteran, has also fulfilled his role to a tee so far, bouncing between the first and second units and staying solid no matter the circumstances. In that same frame since Hachimura’s initial absence, Smart has put up 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals on .412/.369/.806 splits. Like his other stops in the league, Smart has set the tone on defense for LA, but he’s also stepped up offensively and become crucial in the clutch. Though he could be benched again to avoid redundancy with the two forwards, Smart has breathed new life into the starting lineup with his effort and intensity.

All of these factors are worth watching as the Lakers continue their rugged road stint. Barring any other complications due to the ongoing winter storm , they face the Chicago Bulls in the Windy City tonight at 5 p.m. PT.