The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make the big trade their fans have been craving since last season.
But they made a marginal move that could wind up having a massive impact on their playoff aspirations, acquiring disgruntled forward Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards.
Hachimura had been playing the best basketball of his career, all things considered, but the limited playing time and the Wizards’ logjam at both forward spots made it tough for the Japenese player in the nation’s capital.
Also, the Gonzaga product and the organization failed to reach a deal for a contract extension, only complicating things further.
Now, Hachimura will have to showcase his skills to convince the Lakers or any other team that he’s worthy of a big payday in the offseason, which bodes perfectly for Darvin Ham‘s team’s aspirations.
Notably, it won’t be long before the combo forward makes his debut in purple and gold, as he could be on the floor as soon as tonight when the Lakers face the San Antonio Spurs, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
.@mcten says Rui Hachimura could make his Lakers debut as soon as Wednesday vs. the Spurs#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/O62J9jV6J9
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) January 24, 2023
Whether he’ll start or come off the bench tonight remains to be seen, but he’s reportedly expected to have a prominent role and play heavy minutes next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
That hints at the possibility of Ham rolling with a jumbo lineup, with James at the one or the two and Thomas Bryant locking down the paint as their interior presence.
The Lakers are still in the mix for a playoff spot, so Hachimura better prove that trading for him was the right move.
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