TITLE: Lakers’ Rui Hachimura Works Out With Sumo Wrestlers During Japan Offseason Trip
SLUG: lakers-rui-hachimura-trains-with-sumo-wrestlers-in-japan
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura is spending part of the offseason in Japan, where he has been filmed training alongside professional sumo wrestlers. Video of the sessions appeared on the player’s Instagram account and was reposted by ClutchPoints on Aug. 11, 2025.
The footage shows the 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward pushing and grappling with rikishi inside a traditional sumo stable. Hachimura, 27, was born in Toyama, Japan, and returned home after the Lakers’ 2024-25 campaign to prepare for the upcoming season.
The unconventional workout comes after consecutive seasons in which Hachimura converted better than 40 percent of his three-point attempts and recorded career highs in offensive rebounds, blocks and steals. Head coach JJ Redick often used the Gonzaga product as a small-ball center, relying on his strength and footwork in the paint.
Sumo training emphasizes lower-body power, hand placement and quick lateral movement—attributes the Lakers hope will enhance Hachimura’s interior play on both ends of the floor.
The club also received positive news on forward Maxi Kleber. The 6-10 veteran, who missed nearly the entire season following foot surgery after arriving in the Luka Dončić trade, posted a social-media clip of himself completing a windmill dunk, indicating he has resumed full basketball activities.
Los Angeles is scheduled to open training camp later this fall.
Source: Lakers Nation
