Rui Hachimura recently made headlines by candidly discussing the Los Angeles Lakers’ slow start to last season, describing the team’s first 30 to 40 games as “messing around.” In an interview with Lakers Daily, Hachimura reflected on how the Lakers struggled with focus and consistency in the early part of the season, only to turn things around later. His comments highlight the lessons the team has learned and their determination not to repeat the same mistakes in the 2024-25 season.
“Yeah, I think we talked about it before the season starts. This year is gonna be about the details. We’re gonna focus on every possession, it doesn’t matter if it’s the preseason or whatever. For us, it’s a practice.”
“We haven’t had many practices yet so this kind of stuff helps us to get in a good rhythm going into the season. Even last season, we were kind of messing around the first 30-40 games and then we came back and made the playoffs.”
“But I don’t think we can do that this year again so we got to kind of set the tone and just play like we’ve been doing when the season starts.”
Rui Hachimura explained that last season, the Lakers didn’t take things seriously from the start. This self-reflection reveals a significant shift in mindset for both Hachimura and the Lakers. Instead of playing catch-up as they did last year, the team is focused on being disciplined and detail-oriented right from the jump.
The Lakers had a tough beginning to the 2023-24 season, going 19-21 after 40 games. It wasn’t until later in the year, through a combination of roster changes and better team chemistry, that they managed to find their groove and make a strong playoff push. But the inconsistency early on forced them into a difficult path, including playing in the Play-In Tournament and facing a grueling postseason run.
Hachimura’s comments reflect a sense of urgency that is also being echoed by other Lakers players. Both he and guard D’Angelo Russell have hinted that a lack of structure and focus may have been a problem under former head coach Darvin Ham. This season, however, with JJ Redick stepping in as the new head coach, there seems to be a renewed emphasis on organization, discipline, and attention to detail.
The Lakers’ preseason performance so far supports this notion. Despite it being a time when many teams give their starters limited minutes and allow fringe players more opportunities, the Lakers have shown a higher level of intensity. Hachimura emphasized the importance of treating every possession seriously, even in preseason, as a way to set the tone for the regular season.
The idea of a more focused and disciplined Lakers team is a welcome change for fans who watched the team struggle early last year. In contrast, Hachimura’s recent remarks suggest that this year, every player understands the stakes and is committed to giving their best from day one. The Lakers can’t afford to fall behind in a loaded Western Conference, and starting the season strong will be crucial if they want to secure a favorable position heading into the playoffs.
What’s most striking about Hachimura’s comments is his confidence in the team’s ability to fix last season’s problems. He has already been playing well in the preseason and seems to be thriving under Redick’s guidance. With a renewed emphasis on structure, discipline, and attention to detail, the Lakers are positioning themselves to avoid the sluggish start that almost derailed their 2023-24 campaign.
Ultimately, Hachimura’s remarks are a reflection of a larger cultural shift happening within the Lakers organization. If the team can maintain this focus and discipline throughout the season, they stand a much better chance of not only making the playoffs but also contending for a championship.
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