Lakers forward Rui Hachimura spoke at Media Day about how he can fit alongside the team’s ball-handlers this season.
LOS ANGELES – As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2025-26 NBA season, the spotlight shines on their star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. While these four starters are locked in, the fifth spot remains a topic of intrigue, with Rui Hachimura emerging as the frontrunner to claim it. At Media Day, Hachimura delivered a surprising revelation about his seamless chemistry with Luka Doncic, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to thrive as a co-star alongside some of the league’s most dynamic ball-handlers.
Hachimura, who held the starting small forward role for the Lakers last season, has quietly become a key piece of the team’s puzzle. With James, Doncic, and Reaves commanding the ball and drawing defensive attention, Hachimura has carved out a niche as an off-ball playmaker, capitalizing on the opportunities created by his high-profile teammates. His ability to read the game and exploit defensive focus on the Lakers’ primary playmakers has made him a vital asset, and his comments at Media Day underscored just how effortless this role has become.
“Luka posting, and LeBron too, they get a lot of attention. So for me, it’s just an easy game. Most of the time I’m wide open. They’re always watching them, so that’s why I got a lot of those back cuts,” Hachimura explained. “I kind of figured it out throughout the season, those are easy points for me. And it’s not a set play or anything, I just have to kind of read it.”
This revelation highlights Hachimura’s growing basketball IQ and his ability to adapt to the Lakers’ star-driven system. Last season, he led the team in points off cuts, averaging 2.4 per game, according to Raj Chipalu of Silver Screen and Roll. By studying film and honing his instincts, Hachimura has mastered the art of finding open spaces, making him a perfect complement to the ball-dominant trio of James, Doncic, and Reaves. His role as a catch-and-shoot threat and cutter has redefined what it means to be a co-star in this Lakers lineup—not just supporting the stars, but thriving in the shadows they cast.
“We just have to help each other. Those guys can easily attack the rim, playmaking, all that stuff,” Hachimura continued. “I watched a lot of film on that, when to cut or catch-and-shoot, all that kind of stuff. It’s all about timing and chemistry. So I think we’re building that and we just got to keep building.”
Hachimura’s impact since joining the Lakers ahead of the 2022-23 trade deadline has been undeniable. In the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 59 games, starting 57, and averaged 31 minutes per game. His stat line of 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, paired with efficient shooting splits of 50.9% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 77% from the free-throw line, showcased his versatility and reliability. These numbers, while not eye-popping, reflect the quiet efficiency that makes Hachimura such a valuable piece of the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
What sets Hachimura apart is his willingness to embrace a role that prioritizes team success over individual glory. While Doncic, James, and Reaves orchestrate the offense, and Ayton dominates as a roller in the pick-and-roll, Hachimura’s ability to read and react to their movements creates a fluidity that elevates the entire lineup. His “effortless” chemistry with Doncic, in particular, is a testament to his unselfish approach and keen understanding of the game.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, Hachimura’s role as the likely fifth starter could prove to be a game-changer. His ability to capitalize on the gravity of his superstar teammates, combined with his defensive versatility and improved three-point shooting, makes him a perfect fit for a team aiming to contend for a title. By redefining the role of a co-star, Hachimura is proving that sometimes, the most impactful contributions come from those who master the art of playing off the stars.
With training camp underway and the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Hachimura to see how his chemistry with Doncic and the rest of the Lakers’ core continues to evolve. If his Media Day comments are any indication, the Lakers may have found the unsung hero they need to unlock their full potential.