With Anthony Davis on the verge of his return and LeBron James turning back the clock, the timing couldn’t have been any better for the Los Angeles Lakers to make a deal.
That’s why they sent Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the nation’s capital to acquire Rui Hachimura, who wasn’t happy with his decreased role due to the Washington Wizards’ frontcourt logjam.
Now, the Japanese forward is expected to have a prominent role with the purple and gold, most likely starting next to Davis and James once he learns the ropes of Darvin Ham‘s system.
Lakers fans, help is on the way 🟣 🇯🇵
— FIBA (@FIBA) January 24, 2023
But the best part is that trading for Hachimura doesn’t stop the Lakers from making any other major moves.
They can still use Patrick Beverley, Russell Westbrook, Lonnie Walker IV, and even Austin Reaves for salary-filling purposes to try and find more help.
Hachimura gives them the size, strength, athleticism, and versatility they need in the frontcourt next to their two stars, and it gives Ham plenty of versatility to play with his rotations.
More than that, the former ninth-overall pick is soon to turn 25, so there’s still plenty of room for improvement and the possibility of keeping him on a team-friendly contract extension.
Hachimura failed to live up to his potential in D.C., but sharing the court with Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija didn’t do a lot to help his case.
Now, he’ll get a chance to be on the floor with three future Hall of Famers, so he better be ready to embrace the expectations of Laker Nation.
NEXT: Magic Johnson Comments On The Rui Hachimura Trade