LA Lakers acquire Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura in exchange of Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks
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The LA Lakers made a much-awaited move as they sent Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Rui Hachimura. With more than half the season played, the seventeen-time champions are currently placed twelfth in the West with a 22-25 record. Although they have looked good since the start of 2023, it was clear that they needed some wing players to add solidity.
Rui Hachimura has been a solid player for the Wizards. He has averaged 13.0 PPG on 48.8% shooting and 33.7% shooting from the field. The Japanese national is a solid two-way player and will be a great addition to the LA Lakers roster. He has been splendid in his last four seasons with the Washington Wizards, showing great promise since being picked ninth in the 2019 draft. His name had been coming up in several trade rumors as he failed to come to terms with the contract negotiations with the Wizards.
The LA Lakers released a public statement to make the Rui Hachimura trade deal official. Speaking about what the young forward brings to the team, General Manager Rob Pelinka said:
“Adding both size and depth to the wing position has been a goal, and the chance to accomplish that by acquiring a player with Rui’s two-way skills and upside was an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often.”
Rui Hachimura is one of the most under-appreciated young player in the league. He can score high-volume points and provide great defensive performances on a nightly basis. With him on the roster, the Lakers will have a player who can shoot the three-pointer really well.
The Purple and Gold have players like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook that can provide open looks for teammates. However, shooting threes is something the team has struggled with and the inclusion of Hachimura could change things on that end for the Western Conference side. He has played alongside Westbrook and Thomas Bryant, which will make it easier for him to mix into the locker room.
The LA Lakers have some pretty tough matchups in the coming week and bringing in Hachimura could prove to be a game-changer for them. With still more than a couple of weeks left before the trade deadline, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers make another move. They are currently outside the play-in spots, but if they manage to execute some big deals, the team from Hollywood could push to finish in the Top 4 as the West still looks wide open.
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