Confirmed! Is Hachimura Really Worse Than Bronny? Is There Hope for Him?

With the conclusion of the preseason, the spotlight has largely fallen on Bronny James due to the unique narrative of playing alongside his father, LeBron James. However, it’s essential to assess Bronny's performance without the gloss of familial connections. Over six preseason games, he averaged just 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.5 steals, with shooting percentages of 29.7% from the field and a mere 8.3% from beyond the arc.

His final game against the Golden State Warriors was arguably his best performance, thanks largely to the absence of the team's starters. Bronny started and played 35 minutes, scoring 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, including 1-of-5 from three-point range, and hitting both of his free throws. He also contributed 4 rebounds and 3 steals. This game showcased flashes of potential, including a nice cut to the basket for an easy layup, a three-pointer in the second quarter, and an impressive alley-oop dunk in the second half. However, despite these moments of brilliance, his overall efficiency left much to be desired. As a player being groomed as a 3-and-D point guard, he must improve his shooting and playmaking abilities if he wants to solidify his place in the league.

Overall, Bronny's performance aligns with his draft position—55th overall. At this point, it seems like a win if he can even complete his rookie contract. If he manages to remain relevant in the NBA after LeBron’s retirement, that would be a significant accomplishment. Yet, in the same breath, one must also consider another player on the Lakers’ roster, a first-round draft pick whose performance has been even more disappointing than Bronny’s: Jalen Hachimura.

In that same game against the Warriors, Hachimura also started, logging 31 minutes but only mustering 6 points on 3-of-10 shooting, with 0-of-3 from three-point range and no free-throw attempts. He did manage to grab 3 rebounds and dish out 7 assists, but the glaring issue was his inability to score effectively. In a preseason filled with missed opportunities, he also racked up 6 turnovers, committing several rookie-level mistakes such as a five-second violation during an inbound play, a careless handoff error, and traveling violations.

Looking back to the previous game, Hachimura had another lackluster showing. Despite the Lakers narrowly edging out the Phoenix Suns in overtime, Hachimura’s contributions were minimal. He played 22 minutes, scoring just 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting, including 1-of-4 from deep, with 1 rebound and 4 assists, alongside 2 turnovers. Prior to that, against the same Warriors team, he played only 13 minutes, missing all six of his shot attempts and finishing with a solitary point, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The stark contrast between Hachimura and fellow first-round pick Jaden Ivey is hard to ignore. Both were drafted as 17th picks, yet their preseason performances couldn’t be more different. Ivey, in just five games, averaged 18.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, shooting 43.7% from the field and 36% from three. Meanwhile, Hachimura’s preseason stats tell a disheartening story: across six games, he averaged only 4.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, with shooting percentages of 28.6% from the field and a dismal 10% from three-point territory.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Hachimura is whether he will be able to turn things around in the upcoming regular season. The Lakers’ head coach, Darvin Ham, has already indicated that the main roster is being shaped, with many young players getting limited opportunities early on. With Bronny and Hachimura, both are likely to see substantial time in the G League if they cannot improve their game significantly.

It’s essential to understand the expectations surrounding both players. Bronny, drafted 55th overall, has relatively low expectations—if he can establish himself as a reliable contributor, that would be seen as a success. On the other hand, Hachimura, being a 17th overall pick, has a much higher bar to meet. Falling short of that expectation this early in his career could spell trouble for his future in the league.

What adds to the intrigue is Hachimura’s impressive performance last season in the G League, where he averaged 22.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over 15 games. His efficiency was noteworthy, with shooting splits of 47.3% from the field, 43.2% from three, and 80.0% from the free-throw line. This track record indicates that Hachimura possesses the talent to thrive—he stands 6’4” with a wingspan of 6’10” and weighs 214 pounds, boasting solid physical attributes for a guard.

Yet, despite these favorable traits, Hachimura's weaknesses have become increasingly evident. His shot selection often leaves much to be desired, his offensive efficiency has been inconsistent, and his decision-making and basketball IQ have been questioned. This season will be critical for Hachimura, as he must work to refine his game in ways that translate to success in the NBA.

Being only 21 years old means that Hachimura has time to develop, but the harsh reality is that not all young players realize their potential. Even first-round picks can struggle, and if Hachimura does not improve, he may find himself as yet another cautionary tale of a promising prospect who fell short of expectations.

As the Lakers move forward, it remains to be seen whether Hachimura can turn things around in the regular season. The pressure is mounting, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can find his footing and make a significant impact. His ability to adapt, learn, and grow will determine whether he can carve out a successful career in the NBA or risk becoming just another name lost in the shuffle of a highly competitive league.