The Los Angeles Lakers’ stars all had poor performances against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round playoff loss, but JJ Redick named the one player that stepped up.
The LA Lakers‘ season ended in disappointment, with the likes of LeBron James and Luka Doncic both struggling in their 5-game series loss to the Timberwolves.
The lack of a center was acutely felt by LA, the Wolves were dominant on the boards all series. LeBron struggled to score in the 4th quarter, while Luka was mercilessly hunted on defense.
Austin Reaves’ performance had fans comparing him to D’Angelo Russell, and Jaxson Hayes essentially got played off the floor. Brian Windhorst even slammed JJ Redick based on a Reggie Miller interaction ahead of Game 5. Only one Lakers player seems to be immune to criticism.
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesJJ Redick praised ‘outstanding’ Rui Hachimura for his playoff performance
Hachimura averaged 14.8 points, and 7.2 rebounds in 36.9 minutes over five games, while also locking in on the defensive end trying to guard players like Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert.
Rui Hachimura himself highlighted what the Lakers are missing after their Game 5 loss, but his head coach had nothing but glowing praise for him.
“I thought Rui had an outstanding season, and he was incredibly important to what we were able to do this year. He was a vital cog on both sides of the ball,” Redick said as per Mike Trudell.
JJ Redick on Rui Hachimura: “I thought Rui had an outstanding season, and he was incredibly important to what we were able to do this year. He was a vital cog on both sides of the ball. The games that he missed, it was apparent to the coaching staff how valuable he was.…
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 1, 2025
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“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.
“I think some of that is paint decision making, some of that is working on his handles and his closeouts. But for a guy, 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.
“That’s embracing that and starring in that role all year.”
That is high praise for Rui, and he’s proved that he can be a reliable scoring option as well as lockdown defender on the biggest stage.
Rui Hachimura could find himself on the trade block
The LA Lakers will be making significant roster changes in the coming offseason. GM Rob Pelinka admitted to significant roster issues after the playoff exit, meaning big changes are imminent.
The 26-year-old shot over 41% from three-point range in the regular season. He continued that trend in the playoffs, making Rui’s skillset a fairly coveted NBA asset.
Hachimura will make $18 million during the 2025-26 season, making his salary quite tradeable. In any potential deal for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the former Wizard would surely be included.
After his step up this season, LA may not want to trade him, but with immediate results required in the new Luka era, Rui could definitely end up on the trade block.