(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers made a lowkey very impactful trade last season.
Acquiring Rui Hachimura was very valuable for Darvin Ham’s team, as he was a part of a frontcourt logjam and was never going to take off with the Washington Wizards.
But Hachimura was a natural fit in Los Angeles, working closely with their player development staff and providing a big boost on both ends of the floor, even in the playoffs.
And now that he’s extended his stay in Southern California, it seems like Hachimura is looking forward to learning from the best of the best.
According to GM Rob Pelinka, he’s spent plenty of time working out with LeBron James and soaking in as much information as he can, up to the point where LeBron now calls him his understudy, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Rob Pelinka says Rui Hachimura arriving in LA was a “personal renaissance” for Hachimura, who’s been working closely with and learning from LeBron.
“I think he’s just hitting the takeoff of the flight he’s about to go on,” Pelinka said.
“Bron calls him his understudy,” Darvin…
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) September 28, 2023
Hachimura is a gifted athlete with a strong build and big arms, just like LeBron.
Needless to say, they’re not in the same stratosphere in terms of play, and Hachimura is obviously way more limited, but this could do wonders for him.
James knows how to make the most of his body and big frame better than most players in the league, and Hachimura has a similar body type.
His strength allows him to hold his own against bigger players, and he was even sent out there to guard some centers.
Hachimura is expected to have a significant role off the bench next season, and he’s earning every single penny of that deal.
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