Rui Hachimura cleared out when LeBron James came into the media room
Gotta give rui the extension just because of his vibes
Also because he was the second best player for the Lakers in the playoffs but the vibes are great too
Still wondering why JJ took him out on that last shot.
JJ brought in Maxi as a screener to get an open shot for Austin, the play had its intended effect
Still, Rui (or anyone else really) is capable of setting a screen, and even though he drew the play up for Reaves, you never know what’s going to happen. Could be an offensive rebound which leads to a wide open shot (like Horry in 2002). It ended up not mattering in the end, but IMO JJ did overthink it a bit. Still think he’s a really good coach, it’s just one small thing.
I didn’t necessarily agree with JJ on that play, but I understand his thought process, and it gets the results he’s seeking. That’s more than I can say about a lot of the coaches I’ve watched since Phil
Definitely. Really we overperformed this playoffs with what he had available to him. Also didn’t expect him to improve our defense so much.
Black Samurai stays winning
He also scored two more points than bron so he shouldnt make “the list”. In all seriousness Rui showed up for the playoffs and proved himself to be a reliable scorer. I wouldnt be surprised to see him have a series like Tobias harris is having now as a solid role player, capable of having big nights.
As a zag alumn I’m so happy seein this guy thrive. He’s the man
He’s prob bout to be traded for Lu Dort this summer…
Doubt it
shut your mouth >:(
Oh shit, boss is here
LeHead Honcho
LeHefe
LeBig Cheese
LeCaptain
LeSergeant
LeGeneral
LeAdmiral
LePresidente
LeChief James
LeAder
LeCaptainMyCaptain
I’m sure he also totally does not want to be there.
You can hear him say “Thank you Bron” at the end through the laughter. He most definitely didn’t want to be there lol.
LeAndrade el Idolo
LeNba James
subbed him out like when they needed a 3 in the 4th
Did anyone ask JJ why? I want to give him the benefit of the doubt…
Probably to get Maxi on the court to screen to open the 3
I don’t understand why Rui can’t do the screen. Nonetheless, Lakers still had a great look but couldn’t just knocked it down.
Because he’s way worse at setting hard screens than Maxi, it just boils down to that really
Can you imagine if AR hit that shot. Everyone would be talking about the genius of JJ for subbing in Maxi specifically to set a screen.
Seriously folks, watch some basketball. The play is to get the star player the ball, if Luka had been playing it would have been him, otherwise it’s definitely gotta go to LeBron or AR. Rui was incredible this series, but I think every coach is making the same decision to get the ball to AR there.
It also acts as the backup plan to have a big go in for the potential rebound. Of course he didn’t get it, but I understand. I probably would have kept Rui though given the hot shooting night but it wasn’t the worst decision.
My bigger gripe was actually not putting out the stronger defenders in that OKC inbounding possession to retake the lead.
Yeah that was also my biggest issue. That was the time to put some defensive size and actually use players like Adou or Laravia.
Have you ever watched Rui play?
You think people here actually watch games?
Lol it’s so frustrating.
why should i waste time watching games when i can come here and learn what to be mad about?
to be as charitable to them as possible, rui did create his own 3 on a very out of character step back a few minutes before this. But ya i thought this criticism was way overblown, especially considering they got the look they wanted and took as little time off the clock as possible, and that step back 3 i referenced was likely his only 3 that wasnt an open look all playoffs.
personally i still would’ve had rui out there instead of kennard considering how hot he’s been and kennard has been cold since the houston series. it’s not like kennard is much better at creating his own shot either. But kennard still has the reputation of a shooter so still works as a decoy so it’s whatever. Just sucks to see a player play so well in the series and then get sat when the stakes are highest, even if you understand why
I agree kennard isn’t amazing at creating his own shot, in fact Rui is likely better than him when it coems to creating shots in the midrange. But my reasoning would be that kennard needs less room, and is more willing to take a contested look with his quick release.
Not only is Rui not really creating his own looks for 3, but he is very quick to deviate to the mid when any pressure comes. I think Rui is fantastic, unreal efficient, but that efficiency comes with that stubbornness to not settle, he probably could deviate in a moment like that, but why make him play out of his comfort zone or whatever.
I’m not sure.
Rui also rarely shoots 3s off the bounce, and wouldn’t be in position to rebound…. Only rationale I can come up with.
He absolutely would’ve been face guarded on that play and had to get open to get the ball and create a shot –which is not his thing.
Sold his car for gas money
I guess thats the most plausible explanation but still, why not have your best shooter out there and sit someone else. I guess Rui has a slower release so he’sld be somewhat of a liability?
Yeah you need someone with a quick release and someone who’s good at slightly off balance shots since it’s rare to get a wide open spot up shot at the end of the game which is what Rui is best at.
Rui is a spot-up shooter, he can’t really do much off the dribble and isn’t a curl around the screen to reposition for a look kind of guy at all. Aside from that step-back 4 point play last night I honestly can’t recall the last time he took a jumper that wasn’t a spot-up look or a pump-fake into a midrange shot. He just doesn’t really shoot much off the dribble and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him curl off a designed play for a catch-and-shoot in motion.
He’s a terrible screener and with only 10-11 seconds left there just isn’t enough time to run a play for a spot-up shooter before OKC would likely foul to extend the game and prevent the look. The best option was a good screener freeing up AR for a great look that he unfortunately couldn’t cash in.
Who do you take off from the lineup they sent out?
What does rui change if he is in that play? Maxi was in there to screen and they got the look they wanted. Does that shot magically go in if rui is on the court?
I can’t understand that decision.
Lakers fans have actually done a pretty good job of explaining it - Maxi is a better screener and with the Thunder knowing the Lakers needed a three Rui wasn’t going to get the kind of shot that he’s good at hitting. And it wasn’t a bad choice; their plan to get a good look for Reaves worked just fine, it just didn’t go in.
If Reaves hits that 3 and we go 2 up with 10s to go then everyone would be absolutely dickriding JJ for the timeout set play.
Hindsight is always 20⁄20 tho
Why would you go up 2. The 3 was to tie the game, Thunder had a 3 point lead
If Reaves hits that 3
30% 3pm for the series. Yeah give it to him 👍🏻
Rui was amazing this series but he cant shoot 3s off the dribble. Reaves got an uncontested shot off and was 3⁄6 off the 3pt line yesteday. If he hits the shot you arent talking shit on a reddit thread.
Its up to the coach to draw the plays, the players execute. Sometimes the shot dont go in. Thats life. It was a good set play, you can still bitch about it
If he hits the shot you arent talking shit on a reddit thread.
He didn’t though, enjoy the rest of the playoffs.
You were the better team. Its ok. If rui is on the floor probly we cant hit that any ways. you want to be right so bad lol
you want to be right so bad lol
I don’t know what you think is happening right now.
trashing the decision using hindsight is cowardly behavior.
Who’s using hindsight? He shot terribly from 3 the whole series like I said. You don’t need it to be over to say that.
reaves was 3⁄6 that game before that shot and rui was 4⁄8.
if he made it you wouldn’t be sitting here saying “oh JJ is so dumb for letting him shoot it”.
but because the shot didn’t go in (using hindsight) you’re acting like you’re smart for saying “that play that didn’t work was dumb”
Can you not fucking read? I said series.
He was on fire these playoffs. Teams are going to blow up his agents phone.
It’s gone under the radar but he’s on fire every playoffs.
He hated Memphis in that 1st round lol
He’s a true samurai
he was fire in washington too
was often the reason to tune into some of those games
Casual radars. That phone will ring during the off season. I think he likes playing with Luka so it’ll be a hard sell if it’s not the right team.
Literally the leader in playoff 3pt% across the entire league history. Wtf Rui
Career record for 3P% in the playoffs at 51.6% is crazy. But 14/4/1 on 55/52/73 for 69% TS (nice) off the bench is honestly pretty good, yeah.
MPJ who this sub acts is prime Bird averages 13⁄6 on 57ts%.
He is a true playoff riser. That butthole MURDERED my Grizzlies out of no where in the playoffs a few years ago
I’m so glad JJ didn’t play him at the end bc he would’ve 100% sent the game to overtime
Plus/Minus of -2, -24, -19 & -21 last 4 games lmao
Whatever he’s doing is not winning basketball.
using +/- to try and discredit a player in a series where his team got swept is stupid
basing a players performance on plus minus is the larp of basketball
People don’t watch games anymore. He did everything asked + more
and a -40 for you .. whatever your doing is not winning an argument
Man if there was one glaring positive for the Lakers it’s that Rui is a championship piece. He played his ass off against the wolves last year too. He’s got a few weaknesses to his game but that kind of consistent shooting 2 years in a row is hard to find.
He knows to get enough iron
KuroRUIshi
2 years in a row ? He been deadly since the 2023 playoffs.
He’s an absolute marksman.
Really the only major flaw in his game is the weak rebounding but otherwise a real solid role player and borderline all-star. Best of all he never complains and is never angry, the kind of player that coaches and other players would love to have on their team.
His defence can also be spotty. It’s fine against bigger players, but he’s slow laterally and can get lost on rotations or over-help. He gave up lots of open 3s because of that.
He’s not a BAD defender, but it IS a flaw. I love him though, great guy and great player
Rui is not a borderline all-star lol
Borderline all-star is crazy, he can double his points and still not get a sniff.
Dude averaged 12 ppg on 51/45/70 shooting split while playing less than 30 minutes per game as his team’s fifth guy playing alongside 3 ball dominant high production players. You put this current Rui in the same situation as say MPJ in the Nets and he would surely put up borderline all-star numbers.
Nah, that’s not how it would work at all. Rui’s weakness is that he doesn’t really have a handle for anything off the dribble, his defense is pretty mediocre, and his rebounding has been bad his entire career despite his size. His value is entirely as the 4th or 5th best player on the floor because he can fully take advantage of the open looks that are generated and he’s always ready to either shoot or pump-fake into a better look. His biggest asset is his assertiveness on offense where he isn’t afraid to make a move.
Very high level roleplayer, not anywhere close to an All-Star in terms of ability or utility.
cmon man, not all star. Good role player though.
He’s also an incredibly poor defender unless it’s just bodying up one-on-one. He loses sight of his man and rotation way too frequently.
But he is an absolute deadeye shooter with size on the perimeter and just money if he’s open for a spot-up shot. Great teammate and always does whatever is asked of him stepping up in the postseason and isn’t afraid of the moment. The exact kind of roleplayer you need to retain long term.
Thankfully we have an actual ownership group now that will be willing to foot the bill instead of pinching pennies so fingers crossed that he’s with the Lakers for a long time.
I think biggest positive was Jackson Hayes. He was unplayable last year and by the end of the OKC series was the preferred center option (admittedly, because Ayton can’t rebound). Good rebounder; good lob/pick & roll threat; decent defender. He still does some dumb random shit tho
He still does some dumb random shit tho
That’s the biggest issue honestly. I just don’t understand the decision-making sometimes and he can string together horrid plays very quickly. Would definitely want him back for cheap, but his ceiling looks to be like an 18-20 minute energy big to mix things up. He gets worse the longer he plays.
If Ayton played with half the effort that Hayes brought he’s an All-Star caliber center, but instead he’s just way too up and down and soft as all hell if he runs into physical defense or boxing out. A guy like Hart is the worst possible matchup doing all the dirty work with boxing out and setting picks without touching the ball 95% of the time whereas Sengun’s isolations forced Ayton to lock in and focus one-on-one (where he is a very good defender).
He can actually catch and hold the ball which is like water in a desert that is Ayton
Didn’t Ayton also supposedly have a good midrange game? I don’t think I saw a single midrange shot from him in this series.
He’s a good role player but championship piece?
I’m sorry I don’t dislike the guy but how does being involved in like 8 straight early playoff exits make someone a championship player. I feel like he is very clearly a LeBron inflation byproduct but I also feel that way about half the Lakers roster so idk. Just feels like every 4 regular season games it’s “when is rui gonna get it together man” then every playoffs it’s “he’s a joker stopper/OKC menace/rockets nightmare throw him the bag all star szn incoming 😤”
I’ll be very pleased to be proven wrong but scoring 20 while getting thoroughly swept doesn’t really do anything for me. Good for him for having a good series but let’s see him do that for a full year with the best player being healthy and at their regular (extremely high) usage.
Because he’s a very good role player who would be perfect for a team trying to win the chip. Thought it was pretty clear that’s what they meant…
That’s exactly what I meant . Idk why this guy expects a role player to win a series. It’s still gotta be a team effort
It’s hilarious that you’re getting downvoted for saying this when it’s 100% spot on. Yeah, I’m so sure the 27 year old who averages 12.5 per game for his career and has come off the bench in nearly as many games he’s started is now a “championship piece” because he shot well in a couple of playoff series lmao. And especially in a series where, like you said, the Lakers got fuckin dog walked lol.
Not to mention the fact that the “championship piece” wasn’t even on the floor on the biggest possession of the game for the Lakers.
Rui is a fine player, but he is a role player. It’s asinine to call him a championship piece
That last point isn’t really a knock on him though. He didn’t get subbed off for lack of performance, he got subbed off because JJ made some weird 5d chess move to put Kleber on the floor despite him not having played all game. Even Candace called him on it on the broadcast. And then he gets put in RIGHT after.
Anyway role players can be championship pieces still. That phrase doesn’t mean “the sole difference between winning and losing”, it means part of the formula.
Idk, in my opinion, if a player is apparently a “championship piece” (whatever that actually means is unclear), they should probably be on the floor for the most important possession of an elimination game, no?
What exactly even is describing a player as a championship piece even supposed to mean?? That he could be a solid role player on a championship team?? Clearly he’s not good enough to be a top option on a championship team since the Lakers were forced to use him that way and got swept in the second round.
That’s like if I called Donte DiVincenzo a championship piece because he once dropped 23 points/game when the Knicks lost in the second round to the Pacers in 2023-24.
Bruh nobody is saying he could be the #1 option on a championship team. Wheretf do you get that? Piece =/= centerpiece.
You are so close to getting it lmfao. I realize that most nba fans have around 9th grade level reading comprehension skills though so I understand it might be hard for you to get what I’m saying.
Coaches make bad and/or questionable decisions. That doesn’t mean the players aren’t valuable. Situations and matchups also dictate who’s on the floor and who’s not at certain times. Jj literally subbed him back in right after the possession so clearly it was some part of a strategy relying on Kleber’s size.
And describing a player as a piece in winning a championship means they play a role (and well) in accomplishing what that team needs to do to get there. It doesn’t require them to be a “top option” on the team, it just means they’re important to the team’s success in whatever specific way that team needs. Rui was a lights out 3pt shooter that spaced the floor with size and some defensive ability. That’s valuable on a Lebron team because of his kick-out playstyle.
The way you’re framing your argument is that clearly Rui isn’t key to winning because 1) he’s only contributed to a 2nd round exit in this case and 2) he’s not irreplaceable on the floor at all times. Which doesn’t make sense, noone wins until they win - doesn’t mean they might not be part of what it might take to win.
Idk why you’re insulting the other dude, you’re clearly misunderstanding what “piece” means in this case.
Because its absolute nonsense to call a player a clear “championship piece” when a teams roster is in a state where its getting swept in the second round lmao. I’m not “misunderstanding” anything. It’s just such a nonsensical thing to say.
Pascal Siakam is on the Indiana Pacers, played in the finals, and they are now the worst team in the league, tanking aside.
Players’ values aren’t invalidated by a single or even multiple series. By that logic so many players that HAVE gone on to win eventually aren’t championship caliber.
surprised they didn’t make him clear out for maxi kleber
To be fair, maxi set a great pick and did everything right
And to be more fair, Rui should have taken that shot. Rui is the best 3-point shooter on that team. Especially thru contact. I hate the Lakers, and my first thought before that play was “Don’t let Rui get a good look.” Then we came back from the commercial, and he wasn’t even on the floor. Thanks, JJ.
AR is much better at the quick shot, which is what they needed in that moment. If that shot had gone in, which it almost did, this wouldn’t have even crossed your mind
Came here for this!!!!
Did LeBron get a haircut after the game?
It happens.
Yes, but accidentally put on his painting pants.
He was just brushing his hair too hard
Got subbed out again huh
japanese jordan
Ninjordan
Why they removed the mike? LeBron likes to hold it?
thats why it was removed
almost always
Yes. Think of any LeBron press conference.
I don’t see any disrespect here. Hachi just knows the brevity of it.
He probably wanted to get the he’ll out of there anyway.
He said thank you Bron at the end for letting him leave
Didn’t let him finish the game or post game.
The way Bron sat in that chair shows me he is actually 41 😭
Bro that’s the first thing I’ve seen that dude’s knees are shottttt after a game lol
Brooklyn and Chicago gonna make a huge offer to Rui. 👀
Bro looks so much better with that shaved head
Every time I watch the lakers it seems like they’re blaming him for something. Not his fault the rest of his team is trash
I don’t care what Rui asks for, pay that man and get him more touches. He was HOT all series and has been a bucket in a few playoffs for us now.
I been saying this for almost 3 seasons now. When Rui gets 15+ points, we usually win the game. We can utilize him much more than we have been. I saw him during the Olympics balling the fuck out for Japan. He is more than just a catch/shoot guy. He is one of “the other guys” that are vital to making a chip run. He has that buttery smooth mid-range, is strong af, and keeps his composure.
Rui should be damn near untouchable this off season and we should keep him around Luka.
I love that man!!
For a man who got swept out of the playoffs he sure seemed happy
Still a billionaire
I’m 45, played ball unprofessionaly lol, and am super competitive. Once you get to these years, you just kinda laugh and smile at things.
Especially since this wasn’t a heartbreaker or anything. He’s known as well as the rest of us that the Lakers had a snowballs chance in hell to win this series. They were expected to get swept, he played his ass off, and they got swept. It is what it is.
He’s got nothing to prove.
Played his ass off to earn a bag this off season and gets to go to Cancun
You mean Dillon Brooks? Bro was a little girl giggling with SGA on the court
Both I guess? Brooks is a loser as far as I’m concerned but I remember Bron used to be pissed when the playoffs ended for him.
I mean not having Luka and with AR coming off an injury he probably viewed it kind of as playing with house money.
Probably wouldn’t admit it but the frustration you’d normally expect he probably worked through weeks ago when it became likely Luka was done for the season.
bro Bron is in his 40’s, still balling, has his son on his team, and lost to one of the best teams in the League. I think he’s past the point of getting worked up about it.
I mean they were playing with house money. obviously they probably not happy but they still over achieved
For a redditor without a flair you sure seem happy!
I refuse to work at chotckie’s!! ;)
This guys is an awesome role player for a team that’s looking to compete, can do everything at a solid level.
Shoutout to rui yo hell of a game. …should of took the last shot if he was in the game smh…..but he will be getting a bag
Great showing of respect. Likely based on his Japenese heritage. Rui is Oman amazing player and even better person.
Good news for the Lakers, Austin cost himself alot of money on his next contract.
Bad news for the Lakers, Rui about to inherit all of that.
In all seriousness tho, that boy about to get paid but I dont see him leaving. Lakers have enough cap space to keep him unless someone throws some outrageous number.
Rui really has that Japanese “respect your elders” vibe. Lol
Make way for LeKing
LaOne
The big dawg is here haha
Can’t wait for the rdc clip
LeGM activating 😅 Rui is safe imo, probably even Reaves. Ayton on the other hand…
he just got a 4 point play fuck it if he dont shoot off the bounce he was the best choice last play anyone else couldve gotten a screen and it couldve even been another foul call for him like what
Syacho has arrived
Elite hairline
Nah.. he’s like, get me off this stage
Mochi Jordan
VACATION TIME!!!
“Thank you LeBron!”
Rui deferring to LeSensei
Didn’t want to stay and get blamed for the loss
LeBigKahuna
For a second I thought they were going to replace the mic for him.
King James.
Rich athletes dressing like paint contractors is pretty funny
Captain Luka was missing
The Don has arrived.
For sure keep Rui!!!. No doubt. He’s just needs to work on two things this summer, boxing out and improving lateral movement. He’s great.
Poor guy…saved by the bell…or by Lebron😊
mid sentence is crazy lol
Idk why everyone acts like he’s just being polite. Aren’t all of them excited to leave the press behind?? That’s what I took from watching multiple nba documentaries lol
Lebron has been swept once in the 2000s, once in the 2010s, and now twice in the 2020s. He and Bronny are the first father son duo to be swept in the playoffs. He has as many sweeps as rings and has been swept at least once per decade since entering the league. Year 23 and he’s still putting up records 🐐.
Rui wears his pants sagging down showing underwear too? Maaan, why
I really like Lebrons shirt, is that suede or something?
Hachimura not the lessa
Last interview as a Laker most likely. I doubt he retires but I assume he gets signed/traded pretty shortly here.
lol. what a bitch 😅
The way Rui was scoring the ball he should have told Bron to leave the locker room.
LeBron needs to go already. He’s not going to get that last ring he wants and he needs to accept that.
him and Ayton gone gone
Don’t like human treated like this for another human
Look like he doesn’t like Bron much
A real GOAT doesn’t demand that people act like that around or for him. It’s actually kind of disgusting.
A real GOAT punches teammates in the face for refusing to be bullied.
That was a heat of the moment between contemporaries not bullying. This is bullying.
a bucks fans simping for a bulls player is insane to me.
He interrupted him mid interview. Is LeBron really too good to wait his turn?
A real goat puts a bit more effort in their baiting