Chet Holmgren Dubs Rui Hachimura “Japanese Jordan” Ahead of Lakers-Thunder Series
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As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for a Western Conference semifinal against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, center Chet Holmgren offered high praise for fellow Gonzaga product Rui Hachimura, attaching a standout nickname to the Lakers forward.
“He’s a talented guy,” Holmgren told Michael Martin of Lets Talk Thunder. “He plays a little bit like Japanese Jordan sometimes when you see the turnaround and stuff… he can really make shots, make shots in bunches if you let him.”
Holmgren’s comments highlight the attention Hachimura is drawing after shooting 58.6% from three-point range through the postseason. The Lakers view the 6-foot-8 forward as a critical X-factor against Oklahoma City’s physical perimeter defenders and the interior duo of Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Finding consistent outside scoring became a priority for Los Angeles following difficulties spacing the floor in a first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets. Head coach Darvin Ham is expected to lean on Hachimura’s mid-range game and quick decision-making whenever the Thunder switch smaller guards such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander onto him.
Oklahoma City’s defensive game plan remains centered on containing LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but Holmgren emphasized that denying Hachimura “any easy ones” is also a point of emphasis. The Thunder enter the series seeking to limit the Lakers’ comfort level by matching physicality and contesting every jumper.
Hachimura, meanwhile, said the Lakers treated their close-out victory over Houston as a “Game 7” scenario, a mindset he believes will carry into the next round. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against Oklahoma City is set for later this week at Paycom Center.
Source: LakersNation.com
