Chet Holmgren Dubs Rui Hachimura 'Japanese Jordan' as Lakers Prepare for Thunder Showdown

Key facts

• Rui Hachimura averaged 15.8 points, 4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1 steal per game in the first round against Houston.
• He shot 54.3% from the field and 58.6% from three-point range in the series.
• Hachimura scored 21 points in Game 6, including five three-pointers, to close out the Rockets.
• Chet Holmgren called Hachimura 'Japanese Jordan' for his turnaround jumpers and scoring ability.
• The Lakers face the Thunder in the West Semifinals starting May 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
• Luka Doncic remains out indefinitely with a hamstring strain, increasing Hachimura's offensive role.
• Los Angeles won its first playoff series since the 2023 West Semifinals.
• Hachimura and Holmgren both played college basketball at Gonzaga University.

A Nickname Born From Respect and Familiarity

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren has bestowed an extraordinary nickname upon Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, calling him 'Japanese Jordan' after watching Hachimura's dominant first-round performance. The comparison, made during an interview with Michael Martin of Let's Talk Thunder, reflects Holmgren's deep respect for a fellow Gonzaga University alumnus. 'He plays a little bit like Japanese Jordan sometimes when you see the turnaround and stuff,' Holmgren said, before adding, 'Alright, I'm going way too far right now. Nah, he can really make shots, make shots in bunches if you let him.' The remark, though playful, underscores the threat Hachimura poses as the Lakers prepare to face the defending champions.

Hachimura's Playoff Breakout Fuels Lakers' First-Round Triumph

Hachimura delivered a career-defining performance in the Lakers' six-game series win over the Houston Rockets. In Game 6, he scored 21 points on five three-pointers, helping Los Angeles secure a 20-point victory on the road. The team approached the contest as a Game 7, Hachimura revealed, after Houston had won two straight to tie the series. Over the series, Hachimura averaged 15.8 points, four rebounds, 1.2 assists, and one steal per game. His shooting splits were remarkable: 54.3% from the field and a scorching 58.6% from beyond the arc. The Rockets could not disrupt his rhythm, as Hachimura consistently torched them with perimeter shooting.

The Gonzaga Connection and Mutual Admiration

Holmgren and Hachimura share a bond forged at Gonzaga University, where both played college basketball. Holmgren's praise for Hachimura's talent was unequivocal: 'Something about those Gonzaga guys. He's a talented guy.' The Thunder big man specifically highlighted Hachimura's ability to score one-on-one, especially from the mid-range, and his capacity to make shots in bunches. Holmgren's comments also carried a competitive edge. He acknowledged that the Thunder must make Hachimura uncomfortable, stating, 'You got to make everything challenging and try to make him uncomfortable.' The two will now face each other in the Western Conference Semifinals, a matchup that adds personal stakes to the series.

Lakers Face Uphill Battle Without Doncic

The Lakers enter the second round as significant underdogs against the Thunder, who boast one of the best defenses in recent memory. Compounding the challenge, star guard Luka Doncic remains out indefinitely with a hamstring strain. Los Angeles will need an all-hands-on-deck effort, with Hachimura playing a pivotal role. When the offense stalls, particularly while LeBron James rests, Hachimura's ability to create his own shot becomes crucial. His mid-range game and three-point shooting provide a safety valve. The Thunder's defense, anchored by Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in the paint, will test Hachimura's decisiveness and composure.

Matchup Questions and Strategic Adjustments

A key question ahead of Game 1 is who will guard Hachimura. The Thunder could assign guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to him, a matchup that would require Hachimura to be decisive with his shots. If a smaller defender ends up on him, he must immediately take a jumper or drive into the mid-range. The Lakers, after struggling to space the floor against Houston, need to return to their normal three-point shooting efficiency. Hachimura's absurd 58.6% from downtown this postseason offers a spark. Los Angeles must match Oklahoma City's physicality and avoid overthinking, as Hachimura cannot afford to get rattled.

What Lies Ahead: A Series That Could Define a Career

The Lakers' series against the Thunder begins May 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET. For Hachimura, this is an opportunity to cement his reputation as a playoff performer. His growth has earned praise from opponents and teammates alike, and his performance could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run. Holmgren's 'Japanese Jordan' nickname, while hyperbolic, captures the essence of Hachimura's emergence. The Lakers will need him to channel that spirit if they hope to upset the reigning champions. As Hachimura himself said, the team treated Game 6 like a Game 7 — a mindset that may serve them well in the battles ahead.

The bottom line

• Rui Hachimura shot 58.6% from three-point range in the first round, a key factor in the Lakers' series win over Houston.
• Chet Holmgren's 'Japanese Jordan' nickname highlights Hachimura's one-on-one scoring ability and mid-range game.
• The Lakers are underdogs against the Thunder, especially with Luka Doncic out due to a hamstring strain.
• Hachimura's role expands as a secondary scorer when LeBron James rests, making his efficiency critical.
• Game 1 of the West Semifinals is scheduled for May 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
• Both Hachimura and Holmgren are Gonzaga alumni, adding a personal subplot to the series.