Read the full story on SportsLook - Rui Hachimura Helps Lakers Beat Timberwolves in NBA Season Opener
Rui Hachimura made the Los Angeles Lakers' first basket of the 2024-25 NBA season, draining a 3-point shot 52 seconds into the game on Tuesday night, October 22.
Hachimura added a driving slam dunk for the Lakers' next points at the 10:23 mark of the first quarter, giving them a 5-2 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The sixth-year pro finished with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting, five rebounds and two steals in 35 productive minutes of court time. Hachimura added an assist and a blocked shot in the Lakers' 110-103 home win at Crypto.com Arena.
With 5:11 remaining until halftime, a Hachimura layup extended LA's lead to 49-32. Moments later, frontcourt mate Anthony Davis pushed the advantage to 19 points on another layup.
Minnesota trailed 55-42 at halftime.
Davis led the Lakers with 36 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 27 points.
Tuesday's game marked JJ Reddick's regular-season debut as Lakers coach. He took over for departed bench boss Darvin Ham, who led the team from 2022-24. LA went 47-35 last season and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Rui Hachimura Expresses Confidence in Himself, Team
Under new leadership, Hachimura believes he will be a key contributor and help push the Lakers to greater heights this season.
"I felt like all the practice I've done so far paid off, so I'm happy about that," Hachimura told reporters after the season-opening game, NHK reported.
He added, "I think we are a team that can win the championship this year, so I want to do my best to achieve that goal."
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
RELATED:
- Japan Forward Rui Hachimura Leaves Team to Get Treatment for a Calf Injury
- Rui Hachimura Helps Lakers Edge Pelicans in NBA Play-In Tournament
- [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Yuki Kawamura Vying For a Roster Spot on the Memphis Grizzlies
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
