The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating the early stages of the 2025-26 NBA season with a clear focus on refining their roster and strategies during the preseason. One emerging issue that could shape their regular season and playoff aspirations is the apparent mismatch between starting center Deandre Ayton and forward Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup. While head coach JJ Redick has tailored the team’s defensive schemes to maximize Ayton’s strengths, the adjustments have exposed weaknesses in Hachimura’s game, potentially forcing the Lakers to make a tough call on their rotation.
The crux of the issue lies on the defensive end. Redick has shifted the Lakers’ defensive approach toward more drop coverage, a scheme that plays to Ayton’s strengths as a rim-protecting center. This adjustment has already shown positive results for Ayton, allowing him to anchor the paint effectively. However, the same cannot be said for Hachimura, whose defensive skill set thrived under last season’s switch-heavy system. The early returns on Hachimura’s performance in the new drop coverage scheme are underwhelming, as he struggles to navigate screens, maintain positional awareness, and stick with his man—key requirements for success in this setup.
According to insights from Buha’s Block, a recent Q&A session highlighted the Lakers’ defensive challenges. Host Jovan Buha noted, “The shift to more drop coverage, to me, suits this group more, at least the starting group. Deandre Ayton is more of a drop big.” However, he pointed out that Hachimura’s defensive strengths—better suited for switching and versatility—do not align with the current system, creating a noticeable gap in the starting unit’s effectiveness.
One solution to this dilemma could involve moving Hachimura to a bench role, a move that would not necessarily be a demotion but rather a strategic adjustment. The 27-year-old forward would likely still command significant minutes, leveraging his scoring prowess and versatility as a sixth man. This shift could be facilitated by the presence of Jaxson Hayes, a more mobile center who can complement a switch-heavy defensive scheme when Ayton rests. Hayes’ agility would allow Redick to revert to a defensive style that better suits Hachimura, potentially unlocking his impact as a difference-maker off the bench.
The immediate future, however, may see Hachimura remain in the starting lineup due to LeBron James’ current injury, which is expected to sideline him for three to four weeks. This temporary absence provides Hachimura with an opportunity to solidify his role, but once James returns, the Lakers will face a critical decision regarding their sharpshooting forward.
The potential decision to move Hachimura to the bench is not without its challenges. Hachimura’s offensive contributions, particularly his shooting and scoring ability, make him a valuable asset in the starting lineup. However, the Lakers’ commitment to optimizing Ayton’s defensive impact may take precedence, especially as they aim to build a cohesive unit capable of competing in the playoffs. The addition of players like Marcus Smart and potentially Jarred Vanderbilt to the starting lineup could further tilt the scales toward a drop-heavy defensive system, leaving Hachimura as the odd man out.
This situation underscores a broader reality for the Lakers: building a championship-caliber team requires tough choices. While Hachimura’s talent is undeniable, his fit within Redick’s evolving system may not align with the team’s long-term goals. A move to the bench could maximize his contributions while allowing the starting unit to coalesce around Ayton’s defensive strengths.
As the Lakers progress through the preseason and into the regular season, the coaching staff will need to weigh the trade-offs of keeping Hachimura in the starting lineup versus transitioning him to a bench role. The decision will hinge on whether Hachimura can adapt to the drop coverage scheme or if his defensive limitations continue to hinder the team’s overall performance. With James’ return looming, the Lakers face a gut-wrenching choice: prioritize immediate continuity or make a bold adjustment to unlock their full potential.
For now, the Lakers are learning valuable lessons about their roster’s dynamics. The painful payoff of optimizing Ayton’s role may come at the cost of redefining Hachimura’s place in the rotation—but it’s a decision that could ultimately shape their path to success in the 2025-26 season.