Rui Hachimura has found his stride with the Los Angeles Lakers, and a significant part of his recent growth is thanks to JJ Redick’s offensive system. Redick, known for his deep understanding of floor spacing, shooting mechanics, and off-ball movement, has optimized Hachimura’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set, allowing him to become a more efficient and impactful player for the Lakers. Hachimura’s versatility is being fully unlocked, and he’s becoming a key weapon in the Lakers’ rotation alongside LeBron James and with the potential future addition of Bronny James, creating exciting possibilities for the Lakers’ lineup.

1. Floor Spacing and Rui’s Shooting Efficiency

One of the key ways Redick has maximized Rui Hachimura’s potential is by putting him in situations where he can utilize his improved three-point shooting and mid-range game. Redick’s system emphasizes creating space on the floor, allowing shooters and slashers more room to operate.

• Increased Three-Point Looks: Redick’s influence has ensured that Hachimura is getting more open looks from beyond the arc. By positioning Hachimura in the corners and at the top of the key, the Lakers are making sure that when LeBron drives or Anthony Davis draws double teams in the post, Rui is in prime position to capitalize on catch-and-shoot opportunities. His ability to knock down these open shots has stretched opposing defenses, forcing them to respect his shooting range.
• Spot-Up Opportunities: Instead of always relying on isolation or post-up plays, Hachimura is being used as a spot-up shooter in Redick’s system. This makes him a more efficient scorer, as he doesn’t need to create his own shot off the dribble as often. Redick has simplified his role, allowing him to focus on high-percentage looks.

2. Off-Ball Movement and Cutting

Redick’s system is also based on constant off-ball movement, a hallmark of his playing career. This approach has given Hachimura more opportunities to use his athleticism and basketball IQ to get easy buckets near the rim.

• Cutting to the Basket: Hachimura has thrived as an off-ball cutter, often taking advantage of LeBron’s playmaking ability. When LeBron or another playmaker draws the defense’s attention, Hachimura makes smart, timely cuts to the basket, leading to easy layups or dunks. His increased off-ball movement has made him a more dynamic threat, both in half-court sets and transition.
• Utilizing Screens: Redick has also incorporated more off-ball screens into the Lakers’ offense, freeing Hachimura up for open shots or driving lanes. Whether he’s coming off a screen for a mid-range jumper or slipping past defenders for a catch near the rim, Rui is more involved in fluid, movement-heavy offensive actions.

3. Versatility in Matchups

Hachimura’s versatility allows him to play both forward positions, and Redick has utilized this by creating mismatches for him on offense. Hachimura has the size and strength to punish smaller defenders in the post, while also possessing the quickness to take slower big men off the dribble.

• Exploiting Mismatches: Redick’s system looks for ways to isolate Hachimura when he has a favorable matchup. When facing smaller wings, Hachimura is encouraged to get into the post and use his size to score over them. Against slower bigs, he’s given the green light to take them off the dribble or spot up for an open jumper.
• Playing Small-Ball Power Forward: Hachimura’s ability to play as a small-ball power forward has been a game-changer for the Lakers. Redick’s system places him in spots where he can use his combination of size and shooting to stretch the floor while still being physical enough to guard bigger players. This flexibility adds another layer to the Lakers’ offense, allowing them to adapt to different lineups.

4. Developing Chemistry with LeBron and Bronny’s Potential Impact

LeBron James has always been known for elevating the play of his teammates, and Hachimura is no exception. The two have developed strong on-court chemistry, with LeBron frequently finding Hachimura in ideal spots to score. Redick’s offensive schemes have allowed this chemistry to flourish, making Hachimura a consistent scoring threat when on the floor with LeBron.

• LeBron’s Playmaking: Redick’s offense revolves around quick decision-making and ball movement, something LeBron thrives in. As a result, Hachimura has benefited from LeBron’s vision, whether it’s on fast breaks or in half-court sets. Hachimura knows that when he moves without the ball, LeBron will find him for easy buckets. This dynamic has made them a dangerous duo in various offensive sets.
• Bronny’s Future Fit: With the possibility of Bronny James eventually joining the Lakers, Redick’s offensive system could open up even more possibilities for Hachimura. Bronny, known for his high basketball IQ, court vision, and playmaking, would fit seamlessly into a system that prioritizes movement and spacing. As Bronny develops, he could further unlock Hachimura’s potential by providing yet another high-level facilitator on the court. A lineup featuring LeBron, Bronny, and Hachimura could become a nightmare for defenses, given the playmaking and scoring versatility.

5. Defensive Versatility Enhances Hachimura’s Role

While Redick’s impact is mostly seen on the offensive side, Hachimura’s defensive contributions have also become more pronounced. Playing alongside defensive anchors like Anthony Davis and LeBron, Hachimura has shown improvements in his perimeter defense and help defense in the post.

• Switchability on Defense: Hachimura’s ability to switch onto different positions makes him valuable in the Lakers’ defensive schemes. Redick has encouraged more aggressive switching, and Rui’s size and quickness allow him to defend wings and even some guards on the perimeter, making the Lakers a more flexible and disruptive defensive team.
• Complementing AD and LeBron: With Davis often handling rim protection duties, Hachimura can focus on shutting down opposing wings and rotating as a help defender. His improved defensive awareness has made him a crucial part of the Lakers’ defensive rotations, allowing the team to stay solid on that end of the floor while maintaining their offensive firepower.

Final Thoughts: Hachimura’s Growth Under JJ Redick

Rui Hachimura’s development under JJ Redick has been a bright spot for the Lakers. Redick’s offensive philosophy has maximized Hachimura’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set by emphasizing floor spacing, off-ball movement, and versatility. With his improved shooting, cutting, and ability to exploit mismatches, Hachimura has become a key piece of the Lakers’ offense. His chemistry with LeBron James and potential fit alongside Bronny make him even more valuable as the Lakers look toward the future.

As Hachimura continues to grow and develop in Redick’s system, the Lakers could be tapping into the full potential of a versatile, two-way player who can contribute in both the regular season and playoffs.