JJ Redick gives his flowers to Rui Hachimura ahead of the Lakers-Clippers matchup.
JJ Redick offers his appreciation for Rui Hachimura ahead of their reunion game, as the Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Japanese forward and his new LA Clippers team on Friday.
According to the Lakers coach, Hachimura stands as one of his most favorite players he ever coached.
“Rui, in terms of just his offensive packaging and becoming one of the best shooters in the NBA, we got him at a good point in his career. Beau [Levesque] did a great job with him of continuing to develop that and having that laser mentality, and obviously his mid-range game was great,” Redick told reporters.
“He’s one of my favorite players I’ve ever been around the NBA and one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached, and it’s because of just the consistency of joy and personality that he brings every day.”
Rui Hachimura set to face Lakers after four seasons with the franchise
Despite his departure to join their crosstown rival LA Clippers by signing a two-year $28 million deal, the Los Angeles Lakers will still have a long-lasting, solid impression of Rui Hachimura.
Hachimura has been a key part of the Lakers in the past four seasons, embracing his role as a versatile offensive spark at the wing position.
The Japanese sensation stepped up in crucial moments for the Lakers, where he helped the franchise reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals and win the inaugural NBA Cup championship.
In 228 regular-season games (146 starts) as a Laker, he averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting a highly efficient 51.7% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range.
Hachimura will face the Lakers four times this regular seaseon.
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