Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura believes the roster is still trying to establish on-court chemistry following a 10-point season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena.
Hachimura contributed nine points, four rebounds and three assists in the 108-98 defeat. After the game, he noted that the club’s lack of collective preseason action showed against a Warriors lineup that has played together for several years.
“This is probably the second game we actually played together, everybody,” Hachimura said. “We’re still trying to figure out our rhythm. In the preseason games somebody was out, somebody was in. Golden State has been playing together for four or five years, so I think that was the difference.”
The Lakers were without LeBron James, who remains sidelined with an injury. Head coach Darvin Ham relied on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to initiate offense, often pairing them in pick-and-roll sets with center Deandre Ayton. Hachimura said the group expects “growing pains” but remains confident the pieces are in place for improvement.
A familiar problem reappeared after halftime. Los Angeles was outscored 19-4 to open the third quarter, turning a one-point edge into a 17-point deficit. Reaves attributed the swing to player execution rather than coaching adjustments.
The Lakers return to action later this week as they continue a three-game homestand.
Source: Lakers Nation
