Rui Hachimura described his game-winning corner three as the product of preparation, communication, and trust after the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Toronto Raptors 123-120 on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena.
Hachimura said the exchange with LeBron James that set up the play happened during a timeout, not in transition, noting that James told him to “be ready” and expect the ball in the final possession.
He added that Toronto showed early signs of doubling Austin Reaves on the inbound, which reinforced that the final look would likely swing his way.
Hachimura said he waited in the corner as James attacked and delivered a pass “on time” before releasing the shot that clinched the Lakers’ 16th win of the season.
The forward called the moment surreal, explaining that he had never hit a buzzer-beater of that magnitude and likened it to a scenario “every basketball player dreams” about.
He contrasted Thursday with Minneapolis earlier this season, when he mobbed Reaves after another late winner, and laughed at the replay of him sprinting away from teammates in celebration.
Hachimura also reflected on his upbringing in Japan, where Slam Dunk shaped the country’s basketball culture and influenced his early ambitions.
He said the idea of hitting a game-winning shot for the Lakers, especially on a pass from James, felt like a version of that childhood dream.
Hachimura was asked about his identification with the character “Takenori,” citing the courage that defined the role and explaining that the series remained a shared reference point among players who grew up in Japan.
He also discussed James’ decision-making on the final play and throughout his career, saying James “just make the right play” and never forces shots, a philosophy Hachimura credited for his longevity and winning résumé.
Hachimura pointed to James’ late layup in the fourth quarter as another example of execution, even on a night when James finished 4 for 17 and did not reach double-figure scoring, ending his streak of 1,297 regular-season games with at least 10 points.
He said James’ streak was “insane” and that he had not realized James could have extended it in overtime, calling the thought “a crazy point” he had not considered.
Hachimura emphasized the group’s resilience with Luka Doncic unavailable, crediting Reaves’ 44-point night and the collective execution.
He highlighted JJ Redick’s focus on chemistry and communication, saying those elements have strengthened the lineup regardless of personnel changes.
Hachimura noted that he, James, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt are among the longest-tenured Lakers, and that shared experience has shaped trust in high-leverage possessions.
He said playing alongside James in playoff runs, practices, and off-court work has built a foundation that showed in Thursday’s closing sequence.
Hachimura closed by saying James’ commitment to making the correct read sets a tone for the roster and influences younger players to adopt the same approach.
