Rui

Hachimura

According to Charania, the Lakers didn’t cooperate on a potential sign-and-trade, so Hachimura took his talents across town to Inglewood. The Clippers have Derrick Jones Jr. and limited depth at PF, so Hachimura should be an immediate starter. In three full seasons with the Lakers, Hachimura averaged 12 points and 4.2 rebounds while knocking down 42.6% of his three-point attempts.

Hachimura came alive in the third quarter following a four-point first half. He produced in the midrange and from beyond the arc before repeating the process in the fourth quarter. Hachimura made some big shots to keep the Lakers’ hopes alive down the stretch. Yet, his season ends in a fourth straight victory. Hachimura’s role fluctuated throughout the season, leading to one of his least productive seasons in several years. His fantasy value this season came from efficient scoring, which he didn’t do enough of to really be a difference maker in leagues.

As has been the case for the Lakers throughout this series, Game 3 was a tale of two halves. Taking a lead into the intermission for the second consecutive game, the Lakers were outscored 74-49 in the second half. And after scoring 16 points in the first half, Hachimura was limited to five in the second half. With Luka Dončić (hamstring) not close to a return, the Lakers need more consistent production from Hachimura if they’re to extend the series. The Lakers will look to avoid getting swept with a Game 4 victory on Monday night.

Hachimura led the Lakers in minutes in Tuesday’s loss. He finished as a team-worst minus-21 in his 37 minutes, but was their best shot-maker on the evening, not named LeBron James. He tied a team-high in three-pointers and nearly reached the 20-point mark, as well, but didn’t make much noise beyond his scoring. He’ll want to figure out how to have more of a positive impact in Game 2.

On April 29, it was reported that Dončić, who strained his left hamstring in an April 2 loss to the Thunder, had no return timeline. He’ll remain out at the start of the second-round series, with the hope that the Lakers will get Dončić back at some point. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura will continue to play significant minutes until Dončić can play.

On a night when three Lakers finished in double figures, Hachimura recorded his second 20-point game of the series. The 6-foot-8 forward shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in Game 6, and he was 17-of-31 for the series. The Lakers won’t have much margin for error against Oklahoma City in the second round; Hachimura must be consistently productive in the series, which opens on Tuesday night.

Hachimura shot the ball well in Game 4, making 60 percent of his attempts. However, it wasn’t enough on a night when the Lakers’ high scorer, Deandre Ayton, was ejected halfway through the third quarter and only three starters finished in double figures. Hachimura and the Lakers will look to close out the series on Wednesday when they host Game 5.

Hachimura set the tone right away in Game 3, dropping 16 points without missing from the field in the first quarter. The 28-year-old small forward finished with 22 points, which was second only to LeBron James on the Lakers. Hachimura had a great night while Luke Kennard, who averaged 25 points in the first two games of the series, had just 14 points.

LaRavia’s injury should be monitored, but it doesn’t sound very serious. If he’s forced to miss Game 3 at Houston, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased run.

Shams notes that Dončić and Austin Reaves (oblique) are unlikely to be available for the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets. Filling the void left by LA’s superstars will be no easy task, and the Lakers will tackle the issue using a platoon approach. Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura should be the next men up in the rotation.