Palm Desert, Calif. — Forward Rui Hachimura urged the Los Angeles Lakers to share the ball more consistently after attempting just one shot in Monday’s 123-97 defeat to the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena.
Hachimura, the team’s fifth starter this season, finished scoreless with one rebound in 23 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back. The Suns turned multiple Los Angeles turnovers into transition points and never trailed after the opening quarter.
“I don’t remember when I had the ball this whole game,” Hachimura said postgame. “Everyone knows that’s not how we’re going to win. The games we’ve won, we’ve passed to each other, trusted each other and played for each other.”
The 27-year-old acknowledged that his offensive involvement can fluctuate on a roster featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Still, he emphasized that sustained ball movement is essential. “It’s a tough one for me, but it is what it is. I’ve got to forget it and move on to the next game,” he added.
Los Angeles struggled to establish any rhythm against Phoenix’s pressure defense, which repeatedly disrupted possessions before the Lakers could work through their reads. Despite focusing more on defense this season, Hachimura said the Lakers need contributions from every starter as their schedule intensifies.
Earlier in the year, Doncic and Marcus Smart praised Hachimura’s improved two-way play, noting his reliable mid-range shooting and stronger defensive presence.
Source: LakersNation.com
