Chet Holmgren Dubs Rui Hachimura 'Japanese Jordan' as Lakers Face Thunder Without Doncic

Key facts

• Chet Holmgren called Rui Hachimura 'Japanese Jordan' in a pre-series interview.
• Hachimura is shooting 58.6% from three-point range on about five attempts per game in the playoffs.
• Luka Doncic will miss at least the first few games of the Thunder-Lakers series.
• Hachimura averaged 15.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in the first round against the Rockets.
• Hachimura is expected to be the primary defender on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 33.8 points in the first round.
• JJ Redick called Oklahoma City 'one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history.'

A Nickname That Carries Weight

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren has anointed Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura with a lofty moniker: 'Japanese Jordan.' The compliment, delivered ahead of their second-round playoff series, draws a direct line between Hachimura's mid-range artistry and the legacy of Michael Jordan. Holmgren, who also played at Gonzaga, did not stop at the nickname. He elaborated on Hachimura's offensive repertoire, noting the spin move that often precedes a pull-up jumper. 'He plays a bit like the Japanese Jordan sometimes when you see that spin move to shoot and such,' Holmgren told reporters. 'He can really make shots and make shots in bunches if you let him.' The comment lands with extra significance because Hachimura is expected to be a central offensive option for the Lakers, especially with Luka Doncic sidelined for at least the first few games of the series.

Hachimura's Postseason Surge

Hachimura enters the second round on a hot streak. Through the first round against the Houston Rockets, he averaged 15.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting an absurd 58.6 percent from three-point range on about five attempts per contest. His efficiency from deep has become a critical component of the Lakers' offense, providing spacing that the team struggled to generate at times against Houston. That production will be even more vital now. Without Doncic, the Lakers' leading scorer in the regular season, the team needs secondary scoring to keep pace with the top-seeded Thunder. Hachimura's ability to create his own shot off the dribble and knock down catch-and-shoot threes makes him a versatile threat against Oklahoma City's stout defense.

Defensive Responsibility Against Gilgeous-Alexander

On the other end of the floor, Hachimura faces a daunting assignment: guarding Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP candidate averaged 33.8 points in Oklahoma City's first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns, and he will be the focal point of the Lakers' defensive game plan. Hachimura's length and lateral quickness make him a logical choice to take on the challenge. The Lakers will need him to be decisive and not get rattled by the Thunder's physical perimeter defense. If he can hold his own against Gilgeous-Alexander while maintaining his offensive efficiency, Los Angeles could make the series more competitive than many expect.

The Thunder's Dominance and the Lakers' Mindset

JJ Redick, the Lakers' head coach, set the tone for the matchup by calling Oklahoma City 'one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history.' He added, 'They're that good,' and said, 'I think our guys recognize that and respect that, and we know what kind of task we have in front of us.' The Thunder boast the league's best record and a defense that stifled opponents all season. Their perimeter defenders are extremely physical, and with Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein clogging the paint, the Lakers may have to rely heavily on jump shooting. Hachimura's ability to hit contested mid-range shots and threes will be tested.

What's at Stake for Hachimura and the Lakers

Holmgren's nickname was the headline, but the real pressure is on Hachimura to turn that praise into points. If he can consistently score against Oklahoma City's defense while also handling a primary defensive role, he will validate the comparison and give the Lakers a fighting chance. The Lakers approached Game 6 against the Rockets as their Game 7, and that urgency paid off with a 20-point win. They will need a similar mindset against the Thunder, who present a far greater challenge. The series opens with a clear test: whether Hachimura's scoring can hold up against a top-seeded team while he takes on a demanding two-way role.

Outlook: A Defining Series for Hachimura

This series could define Hachimura's career. As the best Japanese player in NBA history, he carries the weight of a nation's expectations. His performance against the Thunder — both as a scorer and a defender — will be scrutinized not just by Lakers fans but by a global audience. If he rises to the occasion, the 'Japanese Jordan' nickname will feel less like hyperbole and more like prophecy. If he struggles, the Lakers' season could end quickly. Either way, the basketball world will be watching closely.

The bottom line

• Chet Holmgren's 'Japanese Jordan' nickname for Rui Hachimura highlights the Lakers forward's mid-range and shot-creation skills.
• Hachimura is shooting 58.6% from three in the playoffs, making him a critical offensive weapon for Los Angeles.
• With Luka Doncic out, Hachimura's scoring burden increases significantly in the second round.
• Hachimura is expected to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 33.8 points in the first round.
• JJ Redick called the Thunder 'one of the greatest teams ever,' underscoring the magnitude of the challenge.
• The series will test whether Hachimura can sustain his offensive efficiency while taking on a demanding defensive role.