JJ Redick explains the decision to keep Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup over Dorian Finney-Smith

When Luka Doncic got his Los Angeles Laker’s debut on Monday night, it meant a new starting lineup for head coach JJ Redick. The Lakers coach eventually went with LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura with Lakers’ latest superstar.

All five players scored in double figures when Lakers easily sent off the Utah jazz, but going into the game wondered many about whether Redick might have mingled another in the starting unit. This lineup does not have a primary defensive stop, and some wondered if Dorian Finney-Smith would be better suited to start with Hachimura giving an offensive lift from the bench.

But before the victory, Redick talked about his starting lineup and is not planning to change it up soon.

“It’s Luka, AR, Bron, Rui and Jaxson,” Redick said before Lakers ’19-Point victory. “This group obviously starts with a sample size of zero and we leave.

“There is a lot of thought about Doe, but frankly he and the way he plays not change, if he comes from the bench or starts. Rui has just been fantastic all season long, so I wouldn’t say that there is a lineup change on the horizon in getting Doe in the starting lineup. We love him in the starting lineup if someone is out. We love him from the bench, but everything is being examined. “

Hachimura has been big all year round, but he has been even better recently and it continued against jazz as he ended with 21 points and six rebounds. He has now scored at least 20 points in four of the last five games and steps up as a rebound also with lakers missing in size in the center.

Redick is right that Finney-Smith will always do his job and play his role, whether it is to start or get from the bench, but Hachimura has just been too good to take out the lineup. Of course, he will continue to investigate everything as the season continues, but the first impression of this starting lineup was a resounding success.

Lakers’ second trade at the deadline eventually fell when the deal with Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams was lifted after the center failed a physical. But things may not be done as the horn’s allegedly challenges the failed physical.

Hornets has reportedly contacted the NBA and are ‘exploratory options’ to contest Lakers’ assessment. What can be done at this point is unclear, but at the moment it seems that there is still a chance that Lakers could end up with Williams, at least if Hornets has something to say about it.

Do you have it Subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows and more!