As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the 2024 season, one player making waves during training camp is Rui Hachimura. After showing flashes of brilliance in last year’s playoffs, Hachimura has been putting in significant work during the offseason, with reports indicating that he’s been in the gym, getting leaner, stronger, and ready to elevate his game. So, what does this new, more conditioned Rui mean for the Lakers, and what role can we expect him to play this season?

Rui Hachimura’s Offseason Grind: Getting Leaner and Stronger

Rui Hachimura is no stranger to hard work, but this offseason has seen him take his conditioning to the next level. Reports have emerged that Hachimura has been focused on getting leaner, improving his quickness, and building on his defensive capabilities. The Lakers have taken notice of his dedication, as Hachimura aims to enter training camp in peak physical condition.

This transformation could be crucial for his performance on both ends of the court. By getting leaner, Hachimura is likely improving his mobility and endurance, which will help him stay competitive defensively while switching onto quicker players. Additionally, being lighter yet stronger can enhance his ability to stay agile in transition, a key component of the Lakers’ style of play.

With more explosiveness, we could see Hachimura elevate his game, particularly in situations where the Lakers need a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions and knock down shots.

Rui’s Playoff Surge: Building on Last Season’s Success

Hachimura had a breakout postseason for the Lakers during the 2023 playoffs, particularly in the first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies and throughout their Western Conference run. His ability to score efficiently, especially from mid-range and beyond the arc, along with his size and defensive versatility, made him a valuable asset.

His postseason performance earned him a three-year extension with the Lakers, signaling the team’s belief in his potential. Now, with a full offseason of preparation and a renewed sense of purpose, Hachimura is ready to take on a more prominent role this season.

Rui’s NEW Role This Season: What to Expect

Heading into the 2024 season, Rui Hachimura’s role is expected to expand. The Lakers have retooled their roster, adding depth in key areas, but Hachimura’s versatility makes him one of the team’s most intriguing pieces. Here’s what to expect from his new role:

1. Key Sixth Man or Potential Starter: While it’s possible that Hachimura could come off the bench, he is expected to play significant minutes, especially in key moments. His ability to guard multiple positions and space the floor makes him a perfect candidate for the Lakers’ small-ball lineups, particularly when they want to push the pace or need defensive versatility. Depending on matchups, he could also start at the power forward or small forward positions, providing a dynamic pairing with LeBron James or Anthony Davis.
2. Improved Defensive Role: With his improved conditioning, Hachimura could be tasked with guarding some of the league’s best forwards and wings. His size, combined with his quicker footwork, allows him to switch onto a variety of players, which will be vital in matchups against elite offensive threats. As he gets leaner and quicker, he will likely be more capable of handling faster, more athletic opponents, making him a defensive weapon for head coach Darvin Ham.
3. Scoring Boost: Hachimura proved last season that he can score in bunches when given the opportunity. Expect the Lakers to look to him as a reliable offensive option, especially in second units. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis drawing much of the defensive attention, Hachimura’s ability to create his own shot and hit from distance will be crucial. His playoff success has likely given him more confidence, and with his expanded offensive arsenal, we could see Hachimura becoming a key scoring option when LeBron and AD are off the floor.
4. Floor Spacer and Secondary Creator: One of the reasons Hachimura was so valuable during last year’s playoffs was his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, stretching the floor for the Lakers’ stars. This season, Hachimura could be relied upon even more as a floor spacer who can punish defenses for collapsing on James or Davis. Additionally, he has the size and ball-handling ability to attack closeouts and make plays in the mid-range, giving the Lakers another offensive weapon.

Rui Hachimura: Ready for a Breakout Year?

With a leaner, more agile version of Rui Hachimura hitting the court, the Lakers are hoping to see him take his game to the next level. His combination of size, athleticism, and s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 makes him a valuable two-way player who can contribute in a variety of ways. This season, he has the opportunity to solidify himself as a key part of the Lakers’ rotation and become one of their most reliable contributors on both ends of the floor.

If Hachimura can carry his playoff momentum into the regular season and adapt to his new, more prominent role, the Lakers will have another weapon in their quest for a championship. His dedication to improving his physical condition and his willingness to embrace a bigger role could be the key to unlocking his full potential—and the Lakers’ success this season.