JJ Redick claims Rui Hachimura is even better than LeBron James and Luka Doncic at one key thing

Rui Hachimura the best at contesting shots with ‘stick hand’ on the Lakers

JJ Redick spoke with Tim Legler as part of ESPN’s Coaches Corner segment. When breaking down the Lakers’ defensive schemes, he isolated one play to highlight the importance of Rui Hachimura.

Redick believes that against players who can shoot three-pointers really well, a player with long arms like Rui can help contest shots, calling him the best player on the Lakers for that.

“You see the physicality in that screen. Rui is passing AD along to Austin. Austin is meeting Anthony Davis, being physical with him on the roll.

“We talk all the time about, in isolation, particularly against guys who can knock down threes like Klay Thompson, we want to use that stick hand.

“Rui Hachimura is the best guy on our team at using that stick hand in isolation. So, he prevents the three.”

Rui Hachimura set for big payday in free agency

As things stand, Rui Hachimura is a free agent in 2026. The LA Lakers have not made any kind of approach about an extension just yet.

Zach Lowe urged the Lakers to extend Rui for $26 million, noting that he brings a lot to the table and that the Lakers will struggle to replace him.

As things stand, the Lakers have no plans to offer Rui an extension, and they will fight for his signature when he becomes a free agent.

Some even believe that Hachimura is a better wing defender than Andrew Wiggins, someone the Lakers are said to be interested in.

Hopefully, the Lakers are able to keep Rui in the years to come, as he has shown he can be a high-level contributor for them.