Have the Lakers Found Some Rhythm With Rui Hachimura as a 6th Man?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · Jan 26, 2026 · 34m

Going back to training camp, may people, including the hosts of this show, have been clamoring for Rui Hachimura to come off the bench, where his skill set -- offensive punch, shooting ability, and so on -- would be better featured. Moreover, putting Rui on the bench also makes it easier for JJ Redick to pair him with the kinds of defenders that can help raise his level and cover his shortcomings.

And lo and behold, over the last three games, with Rui's minutes restriction seeming to end, the Lakers have had some very positive results in his minutes.

So is this something they can capitalize…