Over the past couple of years, forward Rui Hachimura has grown into one of the most important players to the success of the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been the Lakers’ most consistent 3-point shooter and has improved greatly as both a rebounder and defender.
A calf injury kept him down for some time and since his return, Hachimura has come off the bench. While initially it seemed as if this was possibly being done as the coaching staff managed his minutes, Hachimura has really thrived as a reserve, getting more looks as the primary offensive option with the second unit.
His strong play over time, not to mention his recent excellent run off the bench, has increased Hachimura’s potential trade value across the league as well and, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers seem to be willing to include him in a deal ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline:
The Lakers have shown a willingness to include Rui Hachimura in trade, sources say, but that’s been a catalyst in their efforts to buy to fortify their current roster — not sell.
As Fischer noted, the Lakers possibly moving Hachimura would be a deal to help further fortify the roster, meaning the team would have to be getting back a very strong player, or multiple pieces that would push them closer to being a championship contender. The Lakers would not just be getting rid of Hachimura as a salary dump or because they are worried about re-signing him this summer as he will be a free agent.
The Lakers don’t have a lot of truly desired assets to include in a trade, so Hachimura is bound to be a player many teams inquire about, especially with how good he’s been as of late. He is currently shooting a career-high 43.9% from 3-point range and this would be his third straight season above 40% from deep while also being a big, physical forward who can hold his own down low.
Hachimura is someone the Lakers value greatly, and the team has suddenly found the perfect role for him to thrive in. It would have to be a deal for someone very impactful to get the Lakers to move on from the forward in the midst of his best stretch of play in a long time.
Lakers coach JJ Redick seeing Rui Hachimura get back into groove
Hachimura has been on fire recently, averaging more than 17 points on better than 50% shooting from the field and from deep over the past three games and Lakers coach JJ Redick believes he has gotten back into his groove.
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