Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura says personal statistics are secondary to winning, adding that he is prepared to fill any role head coach JJ Redick assigns as the team chases another NBA championship.
“I’m not trying to be a superstar or anything,” Hachimura said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’m just trying to help the team win — whatever they ask for. I like my role here … I’m really trying to win the championship with this team.”
Hachimura, 28, has shifted from the mid-post touches he favored earlier in his career to a perimeter-oriented assignment alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Through four seasons in Los Angeles, he is shooting 41.1% from three-point range, including a career-best 48.5% this year while averaging 14.8 points per game.
Despite entering a contract year, the 6-foot-8 forward said he is content focusing on defense, rebounding and floor spacing rather than seeking a larger offensive role. Redick has emphasized a team-first approach, and multiple teammates have publicly praised Hachimura’s progress on both ends of the floor.
Doncic and guard Marcus Smart recently highlighted the Japanese international’s improved off-ball defense and physicality, areas the Lakers identified as critical after ranking near the bottom of the league in rebounding last season.
Hachimura’s willingness to adapt was on display Nov. 14, 2025, when he hit a three-pointer during the first half of Los Angeles’ road game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Whether cutting to the basket, contesting shots or spacing the floor, he indicated that doing “whatever is necessary” remains his guiding principle for the rest of the season.
Source: LakersNation.com
