Lakers’ Rui Hachimura Sends ‘Superstar’ Message Before Mavericks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 4:36 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers (13-4) have thrived this season despite injuries to superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, which is partially thanks to veteran wing Rui Hachimura. The 27-year-old is averaging 14.9 points on 56.8 percent shooting (48.3 percent 3-point) with 3.9 rebounds in 33.4 minutes this season.

Hachimura leads Los Angeles in 3-point percentage (minimum two total attempts) and games started (16). Doncic leads in points (35.2), rebounds (8.8), assists (9.2) and steals (1.9), but he's missed four contests thus far. Furthermore, James missed the first 14.

Hachimura opened up about his role on the team before Friday night's home date with the Dallas Mavericks (5-14), via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Los Angeles Lakers forwards LeBron James (23) and Rui Hachimura (28)Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

“I’m not trying to be a superstar. … I’m just trying to help the team win — whatever they ask," the former Gonzaga Bulldog said. "I like my role here … I’m really trying to win the championship with this team. … So, I’m happy.”

It's too early to determine whether Los Angeles is a championship-caliber team, but it's a good sign that it has the second-best record in the Western Conference despite not having its full lineup for most of the season. The Lakers only trail the Oklahoma City Thunder (18-1).

“I’m not trying to be a superstar. … I’m just trying to help the team win - whatever they ask. I like my role here … I’m really trying to win the championship with this team. … So, I’m happy” - Rui Hachimura on his role with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/Ygd43t5Vie
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 28, 2025

Rui Hachimura Gives Lakers Return on Investment

Los Angeles couldn't have asked for a better result after acquiring Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in January 2023. The Lakers sent guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the Wizards in return for him.

Nunn went to the EuroLeague after the 2022-23 season, while Hachimura signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension that July. Hachimura is now averaging career highs in points, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage.

Hachimura can deliver an All-Star performance on any given night. For example, the 6-foot-8, 230-pounder notched 23 points (10-13 FG, 2-4 3-point) in a 128-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 24 and 28 points (10-15 FG, 2-4 3-point) in a 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 3.

If Hachimura keeps excelling with Doncic and James both back, Los Angeles should have no trouble staying in the upper echelon of the Western Conference.

Friday's game will start at 10 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video. After that, the Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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