Rui Hachimura may be the Los Angeles Lakers’ fourth-best player, but there are sizable stretches during which he almost seems invisible. He can go a while without being utilized in their offense, which has caused some fans to mildly criticize him.
But when the Lakers involve Hachimura offensively, he becomes a very useful player for him. He averaged 13.1 points on 50.9% shooting from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range during the regular season, and he seemed to benefit from the Luka Doncic trade in early February.
Although Los Angeles lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Hachimura did what he could to attempt to extend the series. The forward scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting in both of the last two games, and head coach JJ Redick praised him for playing his role well.
Via Lakers Nation:
“I thought Rui had an outstanding season and he was incredibly important to what we were able to do this year,” Redick said. “He was a vital cog on both sides of the ball and the games that he missed, it was apparent to the coaching staff how valuable he was. Particularly in the last two games, I thought he played extremely well in the playoffs. I’m excited to see his growth and I think some of that is paint decision-making, some of that is working on his handles and his closeouts.
“But of all the guys that we laid out what we expect from them, what we’re asking them to do and starring in their role, he’s up there at the top of the list for just embracing that and starring in that role all year.”
There is no doubt Hachimura will come up in trade rumors over the next several weeks. Next season will be the final year of his current contract, and his $18.26 million salary for the 2025-26 campaign could be used to bring in a player who would be more valuable to L.A.
But if he sticks around, his 6-foot-8, 230-pound frame, one-on-one offensive skills and ability to run the floor and finish in transition, as well as effectively guard some big men, will be valuable to a Lakers squad that is hoping to hang its 18th NBA championship banner next year.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick praises Rui Hachimura for his play this season
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
