The Los Angeles Lakers experienced a significant offensive setback during their 111-89 defeat to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, registering their second-lowest scoring output this season. Rui Hachimura addressed the team’s need for offensive improvements in a Monday practice session, emphasizing adjustments necessary to boost the Lakers offense moving forward.
Utilizing a Smaller, Faster Lineup on Offense
One of the lineups featured against the Celtics included Hachimura alongside LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Luke Kennard, forming a smaller but quicker group. Hachimura explained the intent behind this lineup’s style.
I think it’s a quicker offense, and it allows us to shoot more threes. . .That’s one of the lineups that we’re looking for, 3-point shooters and a faster offense in transition. It opens up the floor,
Hachimura said.
To be physical. It’s a smaller lineup so be physical and especially rebound too. Everybody’s got to go rebound.
Adapting Roles and Performance Trends for Hachimura
Since returning from a calf injury in mid-January, Hachimura’s role shifted from a starting forward to a key contributor off the bench. Over 15 games in this second-unit role, he’s averaged 9.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, with shooting splits of 45 percent on field goals, 40.7 percent from three-point range, and 69.2 percent at the free-throw line. These figures represent a slight decline compared to his starter averages of 12.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 52.7 percent shooting from the field, and 45.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Upcoming Home Game Offers Opportunity for Rebound
The Lakers have a chance to recover from their defeat against Boston as they prepare to host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. This upcoming matchup provides an opportunity for the team to correct offensive issues and improve cohesion, particularly through the adjustments in lineup and Hachimura’s evolving role.
Asked Rui Hachimura about this lineup, and what Hachimura needs to do for it to work defensively with him as the de facto center
Hachimura mentioned the obvious: optimal shooting, and Hachimura needs to lead the physicality and rebounding for it to survive https://t.co/3wDXoU2YIt pic.twitter.com/FnoB7xVm3X
— Law Murray 💊 (@LawMurrayTheNU) February 23, 2026
