JJ Redick Announces Rui Hachimura News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 3:57 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a strong start to the 2025–26 season, currently owning a 10–4 record and holding the fourth seed in the Western Conference. A huge reason for that has been the offseason additions of center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, along with stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But the elevated play of Rui Hachimura has quietly been one of the most overlooked storylines.

The 27-year-old Japanese power forward is now in his fourth season with Los Angeles and has been shooting the ball with remarkable efficiency through his first 13 games. Hachimura is averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 steals while shooting 57.7% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) © David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Hachimura missed his first game of the season on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left calf soreness. He entered the matchup listed as questionable but was ultimately unable to suit up. Los Angeles still prevailed, winning by a final score of 119-95.

Fortunately for the Lakers, the issue appears to be minor and is not expected to continue hindering his availability. Head coach JJ Redick spoke to reporters after practice on Monday and confirmed that Hachimura would be available for Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.

“JJ Redick says it was the Lakers’ first full practice of the season with all 14 guys available. He says he expects Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura, who missed the MIL game, to play vs. UTA. He said both LeBron James and Gabe Vincent are TBD for the Jazz game,” reported Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

JJ Redick says it was the Lakers’ first full practice of the season with all 14 guys available. He says he expects Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura, who missed the MIL game, to play vs. UTA. He said both LeBron James and Gabe Vincent are TBD for the Jazz game.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 17, 2025

As McMenamin noted, the Lakers finally held their first full-squad practice, making the team even more dangerous and looking like legitimate title contenders.

Hachimura, selected ninth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga by the Washington Wizards, spent four seasons in Washington before being traded to Los Angeles midway through the 2022–23 campaign.

Known for his smooth mid-range game, physicality and improved three-point shooting, he has carved out a valuable role as a floor-spacing forward who defends multiple positions and scores efficiently without needing high usage. His continued growth could be a key factor in the Lakers’ postseason push.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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