Rui Hachimura will be a crucial piece in the LA Lakers’ second-round matchup against the top-seeded OKC Thunder. Among those who are expecting him to provide a spark in the Lakers’ offense is the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, who attended the same Gonzaga program in college as Hachimura.
In an interview with reporters, Holmgren labeled Hachimura as a “Japanese Jordan” for his ability to shoot off the dribble via a spin move.
“There’s something with these Gonzaga guys. He’s a talented guy,” Holmgren said. “He plays a bit like the Japanese Jordan sometimes when you see that spin move to shoot and such.”
“He can really make shots and make shots in bunches if you let him, so you can let him get any easy ones,” he added.
“Hay algo con estos tipos de Gonzaga. Es un tipo talentoso. Juega un poco como el Jordan japonés a veces cuando ves ese giro para tirar y demás.”
Hachimura and Holmgren are both Gonzaga products with just a few years of difference separating them.
Hachimura has been regarded as the best Japanese player in NBA history with little competition from his compatriots. Hachimura, just like Jordan, is known for his knack for mid-range jumpers on top of catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
Hachimura has been shooting extremely well from outside the 3-point arc in the playoffs, making 58.6 percent of his 3-point shots in about five attempts per game.
His scoring will be pivotal for the Lakers in Round 2 against the Thunder, especially as the team is expected to remain without Luka Doncic, their leading scorer in the regular season, for at least the first few games of the series.
Against the Rockets in Round 1, Hachimura put up 15.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game as he became a consistent offensive factor for the Lakers.
Rui Hachimura Faces Tough Defensive Assignment in Thunder-Lakers Series
GettyRui Hachimura seen to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s primary defender.
Rui Hachimura is expected to be the primary defender for Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Round 2.
Just like in Round 1, Hachimura will be given heavy defensive responsibilities for his ability to contain the opposing team’s best players in the perimeter and remain a viable threat on the offensive end.
Against the Thunder, there is no bigger threat than Gilgeous-Alexander, who is the favorite to again win the MVP award this year. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 33.8 points in the Thunder’s first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns.
Aside from Hachimura, the Lakers also have defensive players such as Jake LaRavia and Jared Vanderbilt, however, neither has the same offensive prowess as Hachimura, a tool that is a luxury for the Lakers, especially without Doncic in the series.
Lakers Express Respect For the Thunder
GettyLos Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick expresses respect for the Thunder.
The Lakers understand the task at hand against the Thunder, so they knew they have to bring their very best version to topple the defending champions.
“The Thunder is one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history. That’s just the reality,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “They’re that good. I think our guys recognize that and respect that, and we know what kind of task we have in front of us.”
Game 1 of the second-round series will be on Tuesday, May 5, in Oklahoma City.
Lakers Forward Gets Labeled As ‘Japanese Jordan’ Ahead of Thunder Matchup