**Lakers Work Through Chemistry Issues as LeBron James Sidelined with Injury**
*LOS ANGELES* — During the preseason, the Los Angeles Lakers only had their full lineup, minus LeBron James, for one game—the final preseason game of their schedule. Over a full slate of six preseason games this season, the Lakers saw key players in and out of the lineup, making it challenging to build on-court chemistry.
That chemistry—or lack thereof—was evident during the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Golden State Warriors this week. Rui Hachimura addressed the team’s ongoing process of developing cohesion after adding key rotational players during the offseason.
“We just started. This is probably the second game we actually played together with everybody,” Hachimura said following the Lakers’ 119-109 loss on Tuesday. “We’re still trying to figure out our rhythm. Everybody, we’re still trying to get to know each other. We had a lot of practices, especially to go against Golden State—they’ve been playing together for probably four or five years, so that was the difference.”
“Other than that, I think we did a lot of things that we were supposed to do,” he continued. “It’s a process. We’re going to be better.”
In the game against the Warriors, Hachimura posted a solid stat line with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists while shooting 3-of-6 from the field—all three-pointers.
With LeBron James sidelined for at least four weeks due to a nerve injury, Hachimura is expected to see an increased role and greater opportunity in the lineup.
Despite James’ absence, Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized that Hachimura’s role will remain consistent. “Same plan as always,” Redick said. “We’re not gonna ask a guy to change their role because someone is out of the lineup. He’s got to stick to doing what he does best.”
For Hachimura, excelling off the ball alongside the Lakers’ primary ball-handlers and playmakers has been key. Whether it’s spotting up for catch-and-shoot three-pointers or making timely, forceful cuts along the baseline, Hachimura has established himself as one of the Lakers’ better off-ball scoring threats.
Hachimura acknowledged the importance of continuing to capitalize on these off-ball opportunities. “Catch-and-shoot is going to be a lot, but also you saw last year I had a lot of back cuts, cutting to the rim,” he said. “Those are going to start coming—you just can’t do it right away. You have to kind of figure out the space first. We have a [Deandre Ayton] in the paint. It’s a little different than before, so I got to figure out the timing.”
As the Lakers work through their chemistry challenges and adjust to life without LeBron James, all eyes will be on Hachimura to step up and contribute consistently in his expanded role.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-rui-hachimura-admission-la-chemistry
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