Rui Hachimura highlights Lakers’ need to keep the ball moving after getting just one shot in loss to Suns
It was a tough night for Rui Hachimura and the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, as they were largely dominated by the Phoenix Suns.
Hachimura and the rest of the team were stifled by a Phoenix defense that never gave in, forcing several turnovers and turning them into easy transition points. No matter what the Lakers seemed to do, the Suns always had an answer and they could never get over the hump on the second night of a row.
Hachimura became the fifth starter this season, but he had his worst game to date as he made just one shot and had no points and one rebound in 23 minutes in the loss to Phoenix.
Afterward, Hachimura admitted that it was difficult not to feel involved offensively and acknowledged that his role would fluctuate depending on the players on the team, but that the team had to continue to push back.
“I don’t remember when I had the ball the whole game. I mean, it happened,” he said. “Playing with these guys, I signed up for this. I understand it… But with this, I think the whole team, everyone knows and understands, this is not how we’re going to win. These games that we won, we passed on to each other, we trusted each other and played for each other to win these games. So it’s a tough game for me, but it is what it is. It’s one of those games where I just have to [forget it] and move on to the next match.
Hachimura seemed to be alluding to the fact that basketball is primarily in the hands of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, so he’s almost at the mercy of the team when it comes to generating his own look. Hachimura has a reliable mid-range and outside jumper, but the Suns upset the Lakers so much that it was rare to see them gain an offensive possession through all of their reads.
By his own admission, Hachimura is more focused on defense this season, but that still doesn’t excuse his lack of punch. As the upcoming schedule gets tougher, Los Angeles will need all hands on deck to stay afloat in the Western Conference standings.
Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart praise Rui Hachimura’s two-way play
Rui Hachimura came to the Lakers known for his scoring, especially in the midcourt. However, Hachimura has shown more consistent effort on the defensive end during the 2025-26 campaign.
Hachimura’s defensive efforts are paying off as Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart have praised his two-way game so far this year.
Are you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive event coverage, participate in live broadcasts and much more!
