Rui Hachimura comfortable coming off bench, focuses on winning
rui-hachimura-comfortable-coming-off-bench
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura said he is content coming off the bench while he rebuilds minutes following a calf injury, stressing that winning remains his only priority.
“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning,” Hachimura told The Athletic. “It’s more so like, who’s finishing the game? Or who’s playing more? For me, that’s more important.”
Hachimura, 28, had started most of his games since arriving in Los Angeles but has been used with the second unit since his return, with Jake LaRavia holding the starting power-forward spot. The Japanese forward said the reserve assignment actually allows him to touch the ball more alongside the defense-oriented bench group.
“Especially with this second unit, I get more touches,” he said. “I don’t mind.”
Hachimura acknowledged that earlier in his career he struggled when he did not see the ball for an entire quarter, but added that four seasons in the NBA have helped him find other ways to contribute.
“Now I’m trying to think, OK, what can I do to help win this game? Rebound, box out, help defense,” he explained. “Those are little movements that keep me in the game, so when I get the ball I’m still in rhythm.”
The forward’s approach paid off during Los Angeles’ recent comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks, when he hit several clutch shots and provided key rebounds. Head coach JJ Redick will soon face additional rotation decisions, with guard Austin Reaves expected back from a Christmas-day calf injury.
Hachimura insisted he is happy with whatever role Redick assigns. “I like my role here,” he said. “I just gotta embrace doing whatever it takes to win for the team.”
Source: Lakers Nation
