The Los Angeles Lakers will have most of the band back together for next season.
And as good as some of the young players were, especially late in the season, others are still waiting for their opportunity to break out.
That’s why Lakers legend James Worthy recently said on Spectrum SportsNet that he’s looking forward to watching Rui Hachimura’s development next year.
James Worthy expresses the many reasons why he is most excited to see Rui Hachimura next season. pic.twitter.com/ocY5Zup1wB
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) August 11, 2023
Worthy believes that even though Hachimura showed glimpses of great play, especially in the playoffs, he’s still some steps away from consistently being an impactful player.
He believes that with his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, he can be a big factor as a floor-spreading forward or big man, and he could also hold his own on the defensive end of the floor.
Hachimura had shown glimpses of great play during his tenure in the nation’s capital.
But it seemed like he was never going to live up to the expectations or even have an expanded role, given the Washington Wizards’ logjam at the frontcourt.
He embraced his role in Los Angeles from day one, and did whatever coach Darvin Ham asked him to do, whether it was starting or coming off the bench.
The Lakers’ player development department has excelled throughout the past couple of years, and their work with Hachimura showed right away.
He’s a consistent three-point shot away from being a legit candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, and he could end up being one of the biggest X-Factors for the Purple and Gold next season.
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