Hachimura, one of the Lakers’ best spot-up shooters at 44.1% from three, sees the issue clearly. Against elite defenses, the ball stops moving.
“I think it mostly depends on the team we play against,” Hachimura told Dan Woike after a 111-89 loss to Boston. “There are some teams that play really good team defense.”
“Against those type of teams we kind of really struggle. We don’t have enough ball movement, so I think those kind of stuff is the key for us to keep a high level offense. Have the ball movement is going to be the key.”
The Lakers rank 21st in assists per game at 25.3. Against elite competition, that number plummets:
By contrast, in their wins this season, the Lakers average 28 assists per game. In losses, that number drops to 21.5 29th in the league.
Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have played just 13 games together this season. They’re 8-5 in those contests, but the losses have all come against top-tier defenses.
“I think you see that we’re not there yet. Like I said, we’re working on it. But there should be big potential about us three playing together.”
Hachimura’s point is straightforward: when the offense flows rather than relying on one player dominating possessions, shots come easier and role players stay involved.
The Lakers have three high-level creators. The potential is undeniable. But until they learn to trust each other and move the ball consistently against elite defenses, the struggles will continue.
Rui Hachimura isn’t a point guard. He’s not a primary creator. But he sees what’s happening when the Lakers face real competition.
The solution isn’t complicated. It just requires everyone to trust everyone else. Against the league’s best, that trust hasn’t arrived yet.