Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has been one of the team's most important players this season, and he recently made surprising comments about his role.
Hachimura told The Athletic's Dan Woike that he's comfortable coming off the bench.
"A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it's winning," Hachimura said. "That's going to help us everybody get paid."
Hachimura is averaging 12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and is shooting 42.7% from three. He has started 27 of his 34 games this season.
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He recently missed several games due to right calf soreness, forcing him to come of the bench in a reduced role. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has started forward Jake LaRavia in place of Hachimura.
The switch has resulted in more success for the Lakers, as they've won three of their past four games. Hachimura is open to remaining in that role if it's best for the team.
"Especially with this second unit, I get more touches," Hachimura said. "I don't mind. It's more like, who's finishing the game? Or who's playing more? For me, that's more important."
Hachimura is averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in seven NBA seasons. He is in his fourth season with the Lakers after being acquired from the Washington Wizards in 2023.
He said he's comfortable doing what it takes to win regardless of his minutes.
"I like my role here," Hachimura said. "I've just got to embrace doing what it takes to win."
LA (27-17) is fifth in the Western Conference, 8.5 games behind the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers return to action Monday night against the Chicago Bulls.
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