Hachimura focused on rebounds and 3-point shots in the new season

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura said Friday that he will once again focus on offensive rebounding and three-point shooting in the new NBA season that begins next week.

The Japanese men's Olympic basketball star expressed a positive outlook for the upcoming season despite having to sit out the Lakers' preseason finale, a 132-74 loss to the Golden State Warriors, because of a strained calf muscle.

Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before an NBA preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 18, 2024. (Getty/Kyodo)

Hachimura impressed on both ends of the court in four preseason games for the Lakers, averaging 12.8 points and seven rebounds, up from last season's average of 4.3.

“I paid attention to offensive rebounds and made more three-pointers. I think I did well in those areas,” he said.

The Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday as the 2024-25 NBA season begins with two games.

“We really have a goal this year to win the championship,” Hachimura said. “It is very important that we get off to a good start.”

Hachimura's Akatsuki Japan teammate Yuki Kawamura made his final preseason appearance for the Memphis Grizzlies, providing two assists, shooting 0-for-1 and recording two turnovers in eight minutes in a 114-109 loss to the away Miami Heat.

The point guard signed a training camp contract (Exhibit 10) and is seeking an upgrade to a two-way contract that would allow him to commute between Memphis and his development partner in the G-League.