Lakers News: Writer Prescribes Development Plan For Rui Hachimura This Year

This feels like a big year upcoming for the young forward.

When the Los Angeles Lakers saw their playoff success last year, it came on the shoulders of their role players stepping up. Of course, guys like Anthony Davis and LeBron James played a massive role as well, but without their depth, LA would have never won any series.

One of the biggest pieces to the success last year was forward Rui Hachimura. He was acquired before the trade deadline, and he fit in like a glove with LA. His ability to knock down shots, and play good enough defense allowed LA much flexibility with their lineups throughout the postseason.

But he also stepped up his game in the playoffs, and it helped earn him a new contract to stay with the Lakers for the next few years. So, as we get ready for a new NBA season, Hachimura will have some new expectations on his shoulders.

He will need to continue working on his perimeter shooting if he wants to make a major impact with LA this season. During the 33 regular season games with the Lakers, he shot 29.6 percent from deep, but in the playoffs, he stepped that up to 48.7 over 16 games. If he can even get to being an above-average shooter, LA will be in good shape.

One writer believes that if he wants to stay in the rotation, some things will need to improve.

“If Hachimura wants to cement a big role for himself within the rotation, finding high-level consistency from deep is the best way to go about it. The Lakers need spacing, and if that can come from every position on the floor, they will be a dangerous prospect throughout the upcoming season.”

Per Adam Taylor of LeBron Wire

Hachimura will likely be in the starting rotation for the Lakers this season, so he will be getting some significant minutes. This team prides itself on their defensive abilities, and while he has gotten better on that end of the floor, he needs to remain consistent throughout the season.

“Hachimura has to improve on the defensive end if he wants to play a legitimate role in what projects to be a championship-contending rotation.”

Per Adam Taylor of LeBron Wire

This year will be a big one for the young forward, as he tries to help LA go after another title. The experience that he got in the playoffs last season should help him moving forward, and he looks in line for a really strong year.

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