The Japanese NBA star Rui Hachimura joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the last edition’s mid-season. He came off the bench almost every game in the regular and postseason. But the Gonzaga product impressed a lot of Lakers fans since he came from Washington. Hachimura became the strongest weapon in the team’s reserve bench. Rui Hachimura joined the Lakers in January, replacing Kendrick Nunn. But now the Lakers Nation has a lot of expectations and faith in the 6’8 vet.
After all, he impressed everybody with his postseason play. Rui Hachimura showed his athleticism and strength in offensive upside in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the final game of the last season, he did find his place in the starting lineup. There is a chance Darvin Ham might use him in the starting lineup initially next season. In an interview with ‘Scoop B’ aka Brandon Robinson, former Laker AC Green mentioned that the sky is the limit for Rui Hachimura in the Lakers.
AC Green Hopes To See Rui Grow Hungrier And Play To His Full Potential
On the Scoop B Selects show, Green further mentioned there is more to come from Rui Hachimura. According to AC Green, people have only seen a fraction of the Gonzaga Product last season. Moreover, Green noted that nobody knows how hungry Rui is going to be in the offseason. Adding to that, AC Green said he will try to get better for next season. The Lakers Nation liked the potential that they saw in Hachimura last season. Only time will tell if he can utilize the whole season to its fullest.
AC Green wishes to see Rui Hachimura rise to the next level of top forwards in the league with more hunger. On top of that, playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis has its added advantage. Moreover, the former Laker believes he will rise with confidence and more understanding of his role in the roster. AC ‘Iron Man’ Green won all his NBA titles (3) as a Laker. Green also played for the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks in his 16-year-long career.
Can Rui Hachimura Replace LeBron James?
Apparently, there is a chance that Rui Hachimura can replace LeBron James on their roster. For instance, if King James chooses to play alongside his son Bronny in the near future, the Lakers will look for replacements. Somebody must fill that void. At present, Hachimura looks like the most viable option. Moreover, expectations surrounding him are skyrocketing. Hence, the Gonzaga Product should win the race for the replacement position of LeBron James. Moreover, the Japanese performed better in the playoffs than in the regular season.
Some of his best performances came against Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1. Moreover, Rui Hachimura proved valuable with his three-point shooting. On top of that, the Japanese can be the ideal big man the Lakers have been looking for to play alongside Anthony Davis. Clearly, the Lakers see a lot of value and prospects in the Gonzaga product. Hence, in free agency, on the first day, the Lakers signed him for three years contract extension worth $51 million.
