JJ Redick has been full of praise for Rui Hachimura’s accomplishments, calling him one of the best players in the league at a particular skill level.
Despite all the talk about LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and even Austin Reeves, the Los Angeles Lakers will rely heavily on Rui Hachimura next season.
There are some concerns that Louie is too small to play power forward, especially with LeBron James missing the season opener, but the star has shown he can carry the offensive load.
Some are even suggesting Hachimura come off the bench behind Marcus Smart to help the Lakers’ defense next season.
But from the sounds of things, JJ Redick has no intention of relegating Louie to the bench because he values what Louie brings to the Lakers.
JJ Redick spoke with Tim Legler as part of ESPN’s Coaches Corner segment. He isolated one play to highlight Rui Hachimura’s importance in breaking down the Lakers’ defensive scheme.
Redick believes a long-armed player like Louie can help in the shooting contest against a player who is a good 3-point shooter, calling him the Lakers’ best player in that regard.
“You see the physicality on that screen. Louis hands off the AD to Austin. Austin meets Anthony Davis and gets physical with him on the roll.”
“We always talk about wanting to use stick hands in isolation, especially against guys like Klay Thompson who can knock down threes.
“Rui Hachimura is the best player on the team when he uses his stick hand alone. That’s why he blocks three-man attacks.”
As it stands, Rui Hachimura will become a free agent in 2026. The Los Angeles Lakers have not yet made any approach regarding an extension.
Zach Lowe urged the Lakers to sign Lui to a $26 million contract extension, noting that he brings a lot to the table and the Lakers will have a hard time finding a replacement for him.
As it stands, the Lakers have no plans to offer Lui a contract extension, and they will compete for his signature when he becomes a free agent.
Some believe Hachimura is a better wing defender than Andrew Wiggins, who the Lakers are reportedly interested in.
I hope the Lakers can keep Louis around for the next few years as he has shown that he can contribute at a high level for the Lakers.