Lakers Bench Player Says It's Not About the Stats, Just Winnings

The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling a bit lately. They are 5–5 in their last ten games, and they’ve come back down to earth after a very hot start to the season. They are still 28–17 and the fifth seed in the West, but JJ Redick is still trying to make tweaks to maximize the Lakers' potential. 

Redick recently decided to move Rui Hachimura out of the starting lineup and into a reserve role. Hachimura discussed what it has been like to be moved to the bench. 

"A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it's like winning. That's gonna help us all get paid… And especially with this second unit, I get more touches too… I don't mind. It's more so like, who's finishing the game? Or who's playing more? For me, that's more important."

This is the type of winning mentality that bench players need to have. Every NBA player grew up being the best player in their town. Then, when they get to the league, they realize that they aren’t the star any longer. 

For some players, this transition is very difficult. However, a player's ability to sacrifice and accept their role is often what determines the length of their career and the success of their team. 

With the Lakers, the role players are going to determine everything. LeBron James and Luka Dončić are the stars of the show. They’ll be able to take the Lakers into the playoffs, but that’s when they will need help.

If Rui and the other Lakers' role players lock into a winning-over-stats mentality, there’s a chance they can make some real noise once the playoffs roll around.