Rui Hachimura Speaks On Lakers Breakout: ‘Different Opportunity’

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in January and that trade worked out very well. The small forward took his game to another level in Los Angeles and helped the purple and gold make the NBA playoffs after the team started 2-10.

During his exit interview on May 23 with LA reporters, Hachimura talked about why he played so well with the Lakers.

“For me and the people that know me for a long time — from the Wizards or other players, the coaches — for me, it’s not new for me,” Hachimura said. “I’ve had this for a while. It’s just a different opportunity. The Lakers is like one of the biggest teams in the league and playing with LeBron, AD, highest level. It’s just a different opportunity and it’s nothing for me.”

Hachimura averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds with the Lakers in the regular season. The Gonzaga product played like an All-Star in the playoffs, helping the LakeShow make it all the way to the conference finals.

In 16 games versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets, Hachimura averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 55.7% from the field, 48.7% from beyond the arc, and 88.2% from the free-throw line.

Once the offseason begins, Hachimura will become a restricted free agent. Multiple reports have stated that the Lakers, who lost to the Nuggets in four games, plan to re-sign the 25-year-old.

“Since I got on the Lakers, I think it’s been great for me,” Hachimura said. “I think It’s going to help my career for sure.”

Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are big fans of Hachimura. Los Angeles doesn’t beat Memphis and Golden State without Hachimura’s contributions on both ends of the floor.

The Wizards drafted Hachimura with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 draft. The Toyama native has career averages of 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.