Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura turns heads with traditional sumo workout in rare off-court training footage
Rui Hachimura is making waves this offseason with an unconventional but personal approach to his training. The Los Angeles Lakers forward, who has become a key contributor over the past two seasons, was recently spotted engaging in traditional sumo wrestling workouts in Japan.
The rare off-court footage, shared on his Instagram, has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike, and it may hold the key to unlocking another level in his game.
Rui Hachimura is returning to his roots for a competitive edge
Born in Toyama, Japan, Hachimura has never shied away from embracing his heritage. This offseason, he's taken that a step further by training with professional sumo wrestlers. In the videos, the 6-foot-8 forward crouches low, fists on the mat, before exploding forward in a movement mimicking an opponent's block, which is a drill designed to develop burst, leverage, and balance. Check out the photos and videos of his sumo wrestling-
While some might see the training as unconventional for an NBA player, the benefits are hard to ignore.
Sumo wrestlers possess remarkable leg strength, core stability, and hand control. They are all essential for winning battles in the paint as well. Quick footwork, stability under pressure, and explosive power are equally critical, and Hachimura appears intent on incorporating those elements into his game.
Head coach JJ Redick has relied on Hachimura's versatility, often slotting him into small-ball lineups where he plays near the rim.
Last season, he posted career highs in offensive rebounds, blocks, and steals while maintaining elite shooting efficiency — 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from deep. Now, his latest training choice suggests he's ready to meet that challenge head-on.
Rui Hachimura is eyeing a bigger role in a loaded Los Angeles Lakers roster
With Luka Doncic joining LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and new center Deandre Ayton, the Lakers are stacked with star power — but they'll still rely heavily on Hachimura's two-way play.
He averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 31.7 minutes last season, while recording a career-best 1.5 defensive win shares. That defensive leap is part of what has made him indispensable, despite ongoing trade rumors linking him to the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Brooklyn Nets.
Hachimura's sumo training could help him better handle the physicality of guarding larger opponents and battling for rebounds, particularly when the Lakers go small.
It could also sharpen his mental discipline, as sumo wrestlers are known for regimented routines and focus.
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As the Lakers prepare for what could be one of their most competitive seasons in years, Hachimura's decision to return to his cultural roots while enhancing his game might prove to be more than just a feel-good story. If the benefits translate to the court, his offseason grind could become one of the team's biggest hidden weapons.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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