Rui Hachimura Suspended for three Games without pay due to Misconduct
On a night when the were missing their star player, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura rose to the occasion, delivering a stellar performance that proved crucial for his team.
Minutes before Sunday’s tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers, Hachimura learned he would be expected to step up, and step up he did.
The former Gonzaga standout was instrumental in the Lakers’ 107-98 victory, showcasing his all-around game with 23 points, five rebounds, four steals, and one block over an impressive 39 minutes on the court.
This victory marks a much-needed reprieve for the Lakers (now 13-11) after a challenging three-game losing streak, with notable contributions from Anthony Davis (30 points, 11 rebounds) and D’Angelo Russell (28 points, 14 assists).
“The coaches told me I had to step up tonight,” Hachimura remarked postgame. “I was grateful. As a team, we moved the ball well. D’Lo was fantastic, and AD was dominating down low. Everyone contributed, including Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, and Cam Reddish, who excelled defensively.”
Hachimura’s efficiency was on full display as he shot 9-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
However, it was his defensive prowess that particularly shone through, especially after LA had struggled to stop opponents during their previous games, allowing 134 points in back-to-back losses.
In a welcome change of pace, the Lakers restricted the Blazers to under 100 points for the first time since November 16, breaking a ten-game trend of defensive woes.
“I was just trying to be aggressive,” Hachimura explained. “We’ve been struggling defensively, but playing alongside Gabe, Cam, and Max really allowed us to elevate our game. I trust them to make plays, and that trust made us more aggressive defensively.”
The 6-foot-8 forward is enjoying a breakout season, finding consistency in his long-range shooting as he aims to set personal bests in both 3-point field goals attempted per game (3.5) and shooting percentage (46.3%, currently 10th in the ). Additionally, Hachimura is nailing a career-high 85.3% of his free throw attempts.
His connection with the coaching staff has flourished, particularly in executing plays reminiscent of J.J. Redick’s high-octane style. Hachimura demonstrated his scoring skills by finding success on consecutive plays, a testament to the synergy developing within the team.
“Tonight, we accomplished what we hadn’t done all season,” he said. “The trust I’ve gained from this team, especially with LeBron out, made a significant difference.”