There’s no question the Los Angeles Lakers are struggling this season, mainly due to injuries. But during the final stretch before the playoffs, Darwin Ham reveals whether Rui Hachimura should’ve been a starter from the beginning to give the team a better record or not.
As seen in the Lakers’ recent 136-124 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, Hachimura has what it takes to play at a high level in the NBA. In over 35 minutes on the court, the Japanese star posted 32 points on 78 percent shooting from the field and grabbed 10 boards. LeBron James put up a triple-double of 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, while D’Angelo Russell continued his stellar play by dropping 23 points and four assists.
While Hachimura’s performance against the Grizzlies was great, it wasn’t his best game of the season as a Laker. That occurred when Los Angeles faced the Utah Jazz in February and got the win over them. In that contest, the Japanese forward dropped 36 points on 68 percent shooting from the field and two rebounds.
Given the chance, Hachimura can do a lot with more minutes given to him. Given his profile as an efficient scorer, both under the post and beyond the arc, the forward has the potential to elevate the Lakers’ ceiling in the years to come.
Darwin Ham Reveals Whether Rui Hachimura Should’ve Been a Starter for the Los Angeles Lakers
After Hachimura’s big game against Memphis, people have been thinking whether making him a starter this season could’ve improved the Lakers’ record. Head coach Darwin Ham sheds light on that matter, as seen in a post shared by Jovan Buha on X:
Darvin Ham was asked if he wishes he went to this current starting lineup of Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell earlier in the season given Rui’s success as a starter.
Here’s his response: pic.twitter.com/zLQqfaddhq
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 28, 2024
This season, Hachimura is averaging 13.1 points on 53 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent from deep. The Lakers forward is also making 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
It remains to be seen whether the transition from a reserve role to starter can mean better things for Los Angeles. In any case, Hachimura has the skill and talent to make that happen for his career.
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