Lakers News: LA Players Have Confidence in Role Player's Ability to Guard Tough Assignments
The Los Angeles Lakers season has been one of the stranger in recent years. Some nights they look like a juggernaut team, while on others, they feel like they could lose to the worst team in the NBA.
It has been a frustrating experience all season long, but the team has seemingly started to play much better of late. With the postseason coming up in a few weeks, Los Angeles is looking to continue their winning ways to propel them forward.
Within this run has been strong play from the star players on the team. But they haven't done it alone and multiple role players have stepped up to help. One of which has been forward Rui Hachimura, who has helped take this team to a new level.
Both on the offensive and defensive end, Hachimura gives the Lakers more length and flexibility to work with. Star Anthony Davis reiterated that Hachimura has the confidence of the rest of the team to take on tough assignments on defense, such as the opposing teams' star players.
The ability to switch the physical Hachimura onto some of the better players in the league such as Nikola Jokic or Kevin Durant gives the Lakers rotation versatility. He allows someone like Davis to focus more on protecting the rim, rather than having to step out to guard some of these players on the perimeter.
Hachimura isn't the perfect player, but he does vastly help this club. He can stretch the floor on offense as well, giving them a dual-threat each time he is on the court.
If the Lakers are going to continue to push forward, they will need contributions from players like Hachimura each night. They have a long road ahead of them, but the goal remains the same for this team.
It's championship or bust for Los Angeles, no matter where they end up in the standings or who they face off against.
