Does Rui Hachimura Have a Future In Los Angeles? Can Redick Maximize Luka, LeBron and Reaves?

As promising as the pairing of Luka Dončić with LeBron James and Austin Reaves seemed following last winter's trade, the Lakers never really managed to find a great rhythm, or post the type of production folks expected. One example of that? The lack of production in the pick and roll, especially with Luka and LeBron in the action. According to ESPN, the Lakers only had the two of them as the pairing in P&Rs 4.4 times per 100 possessions. That number went up in the playoffs, but isn't nearly high enough. 

And especially when you factor in Austin Reaves, the three of them should be working off each other far more frequently than what was happening last season. Not just in those sets, but in a variety of options. The capacity for all three of those guys, starting with Luka and working down to Reaves, to do unique things based on high hoops IQs, ball distribution and so on is high. 

So how hard will it be for JJ Redick to unlock all of this? 

How much will training camp impact these questions? 

Meanwhile, the Lakers have another question about Rui Hachimura, and what his future might look like in Los Angeles. According to Jovan Buha, the Lakers aren't expected to offer him a contract extension going into this season, given how much they're emphasizing flexibility next summer. That doesn't mean Rui's gone either during this season or after, but clearly the Lakers don't see him as so critical that they'll change the plan. 

So what does that say about their plan, though? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Can the Lakers maximize the "Big Three?" 

 

SEGMENT 2: What are the challenges that come with getting the most out of them? 

 

SEGMENT 3: Should the Lakers extend Rui Hachimura? 

 

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