Rui Hachimura on Lakers’ Physicality: ‘We Have to Keep Doing It’
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers are finding success by embracing a simple, yet powerful philosophy: the toughest team sets the rules. This mantra, shared by veteran Marcus Smart early in the season, is resonating with the team, particularly with forward Rui Hachimura, who believes the Lakers are increasingly embodying this approach.
Recent back-to-back victories against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings demonstrate a clear shift in the Lakers’ game. These wins weren’t just about scoring; they were about asserting dominance from the opening tip-off through sheer physicality. This includes tenacious defense, relentless pursuit of loose balls, and aggressive rebounding – the often-unseen elements that dictate game flow.
“I think when we did that today in the game [against the Kings], the game [against the Warriors], I think we set the tone. That’s why we were able to control the whole game,” Hachimura explained after the win over Sacramento. “So I think that kind of stuff, we have to keep doing it. I think sometimes we kind of do it and then we stop doing it. So we just have to keep doing it. We have to make those plays and those small things. We have to keep building.”
Hachimura’s Return and Impact
Hachimura recently returned to the Lakers lineup after a brief illness, contributing eight points and shooting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc in 22+ minutes against the Kings. Since returning from a calf injury in mid-January, he’s primarily come off the bench, appearing in 48 games (31 starts) and averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds. His efficiency is notable, boasting a 50.1% field goal percentage, 44.1% from three-point range, and 74.5% from the free-throw line.
Smart’s Leadership and Redick’s Recognition
While Hachimura’s contributions are significant, the Lakers’ overall toughness begins with Marcus Smart. His defensive intensity sets the tone, influencing Head Coach JJ Redick’s decision to keep him in the starting lineup even after Hachimura’s return.
Redick highlighted Smart’s impact after the Kings game, stating, “I told the team after, I thought Smart’s defense…just totally ignited us at different points in the game. He ended up with five steals, but he’s diving on the floor for loose balls. He’s starting transition plays for us. He gets switched onto the five, completely stands him up…he was another igniter for us.”
The Lakers’ success isn’t solely about individual talent; it’s about a collective commitment to physicality and a willingness to impose their will on opponents. As Hachimura emphasizes, consistently executing these “small things” is the key to sustained dominance. You can find more insights on the Lakers’ performance at ESPN.
