Rui Hachimura Discussion: Huge Buckets

lakerjones · Nov 30, 2025 at 9:30 AM

JSM said: ↑

He's gotta go to the bench.

We have to wait until there's a losing streak, hard to justify starting lineup changes when you're winning at this rate.

Starting is best for him, BUT what's best for him isn't what's best for the team. There's no energy or pop coming with him in that lineup. Also as the 5th option in that lineup, I don't think we're getting the most out of him offensively.

Have him sub for Bron at the 6/7 minute marker. Give him more minutes when Luka sits. And spacing wise, I think you could afford a few Vando at C and Rui at PF minutes.

I'm team start Smart. He's the defensive coordinator and tone setter on the floor (you can start him and still be careful with his minutes). shouldn't be climbing out of holes with the starting group. Buha keeps reading off the unit data in each of his pods and it's ugly.
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I agree Rui should move to the bench when LeBron starts. But I’m on team Vando. Smart is missing too many games to start. His ball handling skills are redundant with that group as well plus we lose size. We need to limit Smart’s minutes during the long season not add more. He’s out again tonight. I’d like to see Vando’s fit with the starters.

FrontOfJersey22 · Nov 30, 2025 at 12:01 PM

lakerjones said: ↑

I agree Rui should move to the bench when LeBron starts. But I’m on team Vando. Smart is missing too many games to start. His ball handling skills are redundant with that group as well plus we lose size. We need to limit Smart’s minutes during the long season not add more. He’s out again tonight. I’d like to see Vando’s fit with the starters.
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I was hoping Smart could start hitting League Average from 3 but he ain’t close. I do love what he brings on defense against smaller to mid size players.

JSM · Dec 2, 2025 at 5:48 AM

Try defending. Rebounding. Setting a screen. Anything.

You know where you'll get more touches from? The bench. Go now!

abeer3 · Dec 2, 2025 at 6:16 AM

he's not wrong, though. reaves and luka are feasting, but it's requiring them having the ball a lot. and that's a functional offense in the nba today. hell, in the playoffs it's probably preferable, as it should lead to fewer turnovers most of the time (luka missed this memo yesterday).

anyway, one shot for a guy averaging 15ppg is pretty strange and requires several forces (not) working together.

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Rui Hachimura Discussion: Huge Buckets

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