There weren’t many Lakers highlights in their contest against the Suns, but Rui Hachimura was essentially not involved offensively at all.
Hachimura had just one shot attempt in the game, which is shocking considering he averages 10 per game.
“I don’t remember when I had the ball this whole game,” Hachimura said after the loss. “I mean, this happens playing with these guys. I signed up for that. I understand it. But with this, I think the whole team, everybody knows that’s not how we’re going to win. Those games that we’ve been winning, we’ve been passing to each other, we’ve been trusting each other, we play for each other and we were winning those games. It was a tough one for me but it is what it is. It’s one of those games and I just got to scratch it and play the next game.”
Hachimura should only get one shot attempt in a game if he had to exit early due to an injury.
This was the Lakers offense failing to find their best 3-point shooter in a game where they needed an injection of offense. It simply can’t happen. Sure Luka Dončić is world-class, but this isn’t a heliocentric offense. The Lakers thrive when the ball is zipping around looking for an open look and that didn’t happen against the Suns.
Hachimura is a starter because he can score and stretch the floor. If he’s not being involved then you are wasting his talent and not maximizing your five-man lineup.
“It’s a long season,” Hachimura said. “This is going to happen at some point. But I don’t think we should really think or talk about this. We just got to clear out and we have to rest. We have to prepare for the next game. That’s one thing about the NBA. The games come quick so I think we just have to reset. This is one of those games we kind of have to reset and we have to make another run.”
This is a game the Lakers need to throw away and quickly forget. However, if there’s one lesson they should takeaway, it’s keeping their best offensive players like Hachimura always involved.
