Photo: Los Angeles Lakers/X

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to get healthier, Rui Hachimura may remain in a reserve role, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.

The player opened the season as a starter in each of his first 27 appearances before shifting to the bench over the past seven games.

While establishing himself as a regular starter could be beneficial with free agency approaching this summer, Hachimura said his focus is elsewhere and that he’s comfortable doing whatever the team needs.

“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning. That’s gonna help us to everybody get paid,” he said. “… 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.”

Woike notes that Austin Reaves could return later this week after missing time since Christmas Day with a strained calf.

That could give head coach JJ Redick the option of prioritizing defense in the starting lineup, potentially turning to players like Jake LaRavia or Marcus Smart, while keeping Hachimura in a bench role.

Although no lineup decisions have been finalized, Redick praised Hachimura as “easy” to work with and noted his flexibility.

“I like my role here,” Hachimura said. “The things that I like to do, I’m doing here. I just gotta embrace doing whatever it takes to win for the team.”

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