Rui Hachimura Says Lakers-Warriors Matchup Is ‘Almost A Playoff Game’

Rui Hachimura told NBA reporters that the Los Angeles Lakers–Golden State Warriors matchup today (3/16) is “almost a playoff game.”

The Lakers are in ninth place in the West, while the Warriors are in the 10th spot. 

“It’s going to be a big game. It’s almost a playoff game,” Hachimura said, via ESPN. “We played them so many times I feel like — the preseason, the playoffs and regular-season games, all that. So we know each other well.”

The Lakers and Warriors have played 10 times in the past 10 months dating back to the last postseason. They have split those games 5-5.

“Who wants it more?” Hachimura said. “We got to show the emotion and try to get this.”

The Lakers beat the Warriors in the second round of the 2023 NBA playoffs in six games. The two teams have split their season series this season 1-1. 

Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 2023-24 while shooting 52.4% from the field, 41.6% from beyond the arc and 71.3% from the free-throw line. 

Part of the Lakers’ preparation process for the Warriors game was looking back on the Sacramento Kings game. Los Angeles head coach Darvin Ham said the team had an extensive film session.

“A lot of dialogue from a few different guys,” Ham said. “I think that’s been great. It’s been so healthy. I think that’s why we’ve been able to respond to some of these disappointing losses. We go in, and we look it right dead in the face. Put the mirror in front of ourselves — coaches and players — and see how we can get better.

“I opened the floor for dialogue. I want to hear from them. … Three players, two coaches, we can look at the same play and see five different things. So that’s why you have to invite that dialogue and make them open to talking to one another and guys holding themselves accountable for breakdowns, guys giving suggestions and tweaking different things with our zone that we want to try to do going forward, it’s all healthy.”