Darvin Ham calls Rui Hachimura trade a "no brainer": "Going through different names and opportunities requires different people"
The LA Lakers recently made a splash by acquiring Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards. With Hachimura's addition ticking a lot of boxes for the Lakers, head coach Darvin Ham expressed the thought process behind making the trade.
The Lakers have been a fairly inconsistent team this season. While several factors can be attributed to this result, the team hasn't been able to find lasting solutions for their struggles.
Injuries could be listed as a major factor in this regard. While having several role players out of the rotation is bad enough, the Purple and Gold have had a tougher time, with Anthony Davis missing a significant portion of the season.
The Lakers have been quite pressed for size on their roster as well. While Thomas Bryant and Wenyen Gabriel have been solid, they are limited in terms of output. Needless to say, change had to come.
In this regard, the Lakers did an impressive job of acquiring Rui Hachimura via trade with the Washington Wizards. Giving up Kendrick Nunn and a few second-round picks as part of the deal, the Lakers landed a solid forward who can address many of their concerns positionally.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham also shared his thoughts on the deal ahead of the team's matchup against the LA Clippers. He said:
"I'm super-duper excited. Coming from Milwaukee, I had a chance to see him a lot when we would matchup against the Wizards. I've always been impressed by just how multifaceted, strong, athletic, skilled young player."
"I'm really excited about having the opportunity to add him to our ball club. I think he's going to bring a lot and along with the guys - Bron, AD, Russ, Pat Bev, Dennis - all these guys have an opportunity to put him under their wing."
Ham continued to highlight how excited he was about having the opportunity to add a virtual "lottery pick" to the roster and being able to help him reach new heights.
Ham was also asked whether he and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka had discussed pursuing a bigger forward to bolster their rotation. Ham responded by saying:
"Going through different names and opportunities requires different people. You try to see what fits best and what needs we have and he definitely fills a big void."
While expressing the manner in which Hachimura ticks all the right boxes on both ends of the floor, Ham said:
"To be able to add a talent of his stature, it was a no-brainer."
"To be able to add a talent of his stature, it was a no-brainer." Darvin Ham on the acquiring of @rui_8mura to the #Lakers. https://t.co/Fgjf2AJV3J
With Hachimura on the roster, the Lakers have certainly added a lot of flexibility to their lineup. As AD is also scheduled to return from injury soon, the Purple and Gold will have huge expectations of the former Wizards forward.
Read: LA Lakers fans' opinions divided on the Rui Hachimura trade
Rui Hachimura expected to start for the LA Lakers
Rui Hachimura's arrival at the LA Lakers was almost immediately greeted with rumors regarding his role with the team. As things stand, most rumors coming out of the Lakers organization suggest that Hachimura will start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The lineup itself is quite potent. With Hachimura and LeBron offsetting each other in the forward position, Davis continues to play the 5. This also gives them a lot of flexibility with their backup rotations as Hachimura spots LeBron's minutes to keep him fresh in end-of-game situations.
Hachimura's experience playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Thomas Bryant will also be huge in facilitating his assimilation into the system. With the Purple and Gold acquiring a talented forward, the Lakers fans will hope to see good things from the 24-year-old Japanese international.
Read: How can the LA Lakers line up with Rui Hachimura?