The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy during free agency, adding a few new athletes to the roster as well as retaining their important core.
One of the players they re-signed was Rui Hachimura, who had a terrific first season with LA.
Hachimura spoke about coming back to Los Angeles and said that it was always his plan to be in purple and gold again next season.
“I always wanted to come back here. This was my first option, of course…I love the teammates, the coaches, the staff, everything,” Hachimura told Spectrum SportsNet.
“It’s been great… I love the teammates, the culture, the staff, everything.” Rui Hachimira gives his many reasons why the #Lakers were his obvious choice. pic.twitter.com/Q6C43aFXDC
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) July 7, 2023
Hachimura signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Lakers after only playing for them since the February trade deadline.
During that time, the forward impressed with an average of 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.
However, he was even more vital during the playoffs, as he posted 12.2 points a game and shot 48.7% from the three-point line and 55.7% from the field.
During the postseason run, fans of the Lakers were eager to see Hachimura re-signed as quickly as possible.
Hachimura says that multiple things contributed to his strong showing, from the other players on the team to assistant coach Phil Handy.
All in all, everything has created an environment that Hachimura wishes to remain in.
Now that he’s got a new deal with the Lakers and is coming back for his second season, the pressure will be on.
Hachimura will have to prove that the last playoffs were not a fluke and that he has what it takes to keep building upon that success.
If he can consistently perform as he did in the postseason, Hachimura’s new contract will be money well spent by the Lakers.
NEXT: Jaxson Hayes Reveals Why He Chose To Sign With The Lakers
