Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura believes months of conditioning and recovery work are paying off as he shoulders major minutes in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
After the Lakers 124-118 victory over the Houston Rockets on April 21 at Crypto.com Arena, the 28-year-old said the long regular season was spent “building the body” for exactly this moment. “I was ready for that,” Hachimura told reporters. “It’s high minutes for me, but it’s not that bad. I’ve been locked in on the defensive side and whatever we have to execute.”
Leading Lakers in minutes
Through the first two games of the opening-round series, Hachimura is averaging 42 minutes, the most on the roster. He is shooting 50 percent from three-point range and recorded three steals and two blocks in Game 1, underscoring his impact at both ends.
Steady role amid injuries
Head coach JJ Redick has tightened the rotation with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, relying on Hachimura alongside fellow role players Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Kennard said the group must “believe in what we have” as the best-of-seven series shifts to Houston for Game 3.
Game 3 is scheduled for later this week at Toyota Center, where Los Angeles will attempt to extend its 2-0 advantage.
Source: LakersNation.com
