The Los Angeles Lakers will bring Rui Hachimura off the bench when he returns from a six-game absence on Monday night. Fans have been clamoring for his move since LeBron James returned to the lineup. Both players are best suited to play the four, and the Lakers desperately need more defense on the floor in their starting five. It is a tough call as Hachimura has played better as a starter, but Los Angeles needs better lineup balance moving forward.
Hachimura’s counting stats are down, despite him playing more minutes this season. There are fewer shots and rebounding opportunities when he is sharing the floor with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.