Ever since being acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers, forward Rui Hachimura has grown tremendously as an outside shooter. While he was always capable from deep, Hachimura has developed into one of the best 3-point shooters in the entire NBA, and that has not died down in the postseason.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite as Hachimura has made NBA history due to shooting from deep. He knocked down 3-of-6 from 3-point range in Game 1 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder, his 10th consecutive game in which he has shot at least 50% from deep. That is the longest streak in NBA playoff history, according to OptaSTATS:
Dating back to 2025, Rui Hachimura of the @Lakers has shot 50.0% or higher on threes in 10 consecutive playoff games.
That's the longest such streak in NBA playoff history. pic.twitter.com/QwoVNnoNau
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 7, 2026
Hachimura hasn’t gotten quite as much love these playoffs as some of his Lakers teammates, but he has been absolutely vital to this team upsetting the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Players such as Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard have had bigger individual games, but Hachimura has remained reliable and consistent with his performances and that is extremely important for this team.
So far during this postseason, Hachimura is averaging 16.1 points while knocking down 57.1% from deep. And with this outstanding run, he is now shooting over 50% from 3-point range for his postseason career.
The Lakers have needed everything they have gotten from Hachimura in these playoffs. With Luka Doncic still out due to injury and Austin Reaves slowly finding his rhythm after returning, the Lakers need some offensive help and Hachimura has provided just that. His ability to stretch the floor keeps the court spread and makes defenses pay when they pack the paint to try and stop LeBron James.
Hachimura has been one of the Lakers’ most important role players for many years now and he continues to deliver when this team has needed him to most. And considering he is set to hit free agency this offseason, the forward has set himself up for a nice payday as well.
Luka Doncic praises Lakers teammates for stepping up in his absence
Hachimura has been one of many players who have had to take on an increased role this postseason in the absence of Doncic and the Lakers superstar guard recently praised his teammates for stepping up while he recovers from his left hamstring strain.
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