Rui Hachimura will as soon as once more play a key function for the Los Angeles Lakers as they enter their first full season with Luka Doncic. By the appears of it, Hachimura is not taking his duty evenly.
The 27-year-old ahead is predicted to begin for the Lakers, together with Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. He has been a productive member of the squad along with his athleticism, versatility, and vary.
This offseason, Hachimura is ensuring that he unlocks extra sides of his sport. He’s additionally doing it in a novel approach, coaching with sumo wrestlers in his dwelling nation of Japan, as posted on his Instagram Story.
Rui Hachimura coaching alongside sumo wrestlers in Japan this offseason 😤
(through rui_8mura/IG)pic.twitter.com/BclL9NdjT5
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 11, 2025
Hachimura can be taught loads from sumo wrestlers. They’re identified for his or her excessive energy, particularly of their legs, core, and higher physique. They may assist the Lakers ahead take care of the physicality within the NBA. Sumo wrestlers even have spectacular steadiness and endurance.
Maybe extra importantly, Hachimura can be taught self-discipline and focus. Sumo wrestlers are lauded for his or her very regimented coaching, together with meditation. It isn’t a secret that psychological energy is necessary within the NBA, particularly for somebody who performs for a extremely publicized group just like the Lakers.
Gamers strive totally different strategies within the offseason to stage up, and it is cool to see Hachimura, who was born in Toyama, get again to his roots. The previous Gonzaga standout has additionally performed for Japan in numerous worldwide tournaments.
Final season, he averaged 13.1 factors on 50.9% taking pictures from the sector and 5.0 rebounds in a career-high 31.7 minutes per sport. He has earned the belief of coach JJ Redick, who utilized Hachimura in numerous schemes, notably once they play small.
Hachimura, nevertheless, has additionally been linked to commerce rumors since final season, with the Miami Warmth, the Sacramento Kings, and the Brooklyn Nets being talked about as doable locations.