The Los Angeles Lakers' issues with offensive consistency were magnified in Sunday's loss to the Boston Celtics, when the Lakers scored just 89 points in a game that exposed the stagnation of their offense.
Hachimura addressed the issue after practice the next day and gave a candid assessment of what he believes is holding the team back.
“I think it mainly depends on the team we play against. Some teams have very good team defense. Faced with this situation, we have to share the ball more and trust each other,” Hachimura said, via The Athletic's Dan Voick. “We've got to have ball movement. Like yesterday, the last game, they're a really great team, especially in the rotation. So, I think normally, there are guys, even for me, I can split up the defense. But those guys are really good on the rotation. . They're a really smart team and they allow them to do that. So, against those types of teams, we don't really struggle with enough ball movement, so I think those things are going to be key for us to keep our offense going at a high level.”
The Lakers' struggles are notable given the playmaking talent on the roster.
Luka Doncic is one of the most creative passers in the league, LeBron James has built his career on improving his teammates, and Austin Reeves is known for his decision-making and feel for the game. Still, Los Angeles relied heavily on isolation offense, an approach that led to uneven results.
While Doncic leads the league in scoring with 32.8 points per game, the Lakers rank eighth in offensive efficiency, a number that isn't enough for a team that outscores its opponents while overcoming defensive limitations. The lack of rhythm is even more apparent against a disciplined, physical defense like Boston's.
READ MORE: Kevin Durant on 2028 Olympics: 'Oh my God, I want to compete'
