LA Lakers Rumors: Team expected to eventually start Rui Hachimura next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Recent rumors suggest that the LA Lakers already have big plans for Rui Hachimura moving forward. Hoping to integrate the young forward into their lineup right away, the Lakers are expected to eventually start Hachimura next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The LA Lakers have made a huge splash by trading for Rui Hachimura ahead of the trade deadline. By trading Kendrick Nunn and a handful of second-rounders, the Purple and Gold managed to acquire a solid forward with an impressive skill set.
Hachimura's addition is definitely an upside for the Purple and Gold. Considering that the team has severe shortages at the forward position, the former Wizards player undoubtedly ticks all the right boxes.
In addition to being a bonafide forward, Hachimura also has the appropriate skillset to assimilate into the Lakers' system. While being a great slasher with shot-creation ability, he's also been a solid three-point shooter from the corner this season. Overall, he could be a great fit with the Lakers.
However, the Lakers seem to have more in store for the Japanese player. A recent report has suggested that the Purple and Gold expect Hachimura to eventually start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.
This was mentioned by The Athletic's Jovan Buha, who wrote:
"The soon-to-be 25-year-old Hachimura has the size (6 foot 8, 230 pounds), length (7-foot-2 wingspan) and athleticism that the Lakers desperately need in the frontcourt. His ability to play either forward spot helps balance the roster’s positional structure."
He further noted:
"It’s unclear if Hachimura will start on Day 1, but the expectation is that he will start next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis once the rotation settles, multiple team sources told The Athletic."
Report: Lakers expected to eventually start Rui Hachimura next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James lakersdaily.com/report-lakers-…
As Buha mentioned, Hachimura has the athleticism and skillset to play in either forward position. Paired next to LeBron James in the starting lineup, he could theoretically offset James' presence down low while also acting as a perimeter threat in the corner.
Meanwhile, for the same reason, he also gives the Lakers a lot of flexibility with regard to staggering LeBron's minutes. By adding a player of a similar size, the Lakers may have answered some positional concerns at least.
Read: Rui Hachimura's contract with the Lakers: How it impacts the team's salary cap
The LA Lakers could benefit from acquiring Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura's arrival to the LA Lakers could spell a lot of good for the team moving forward. While the potential for him to start alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is exciting, there remains a lot more to be excited about.
The first is the fit. As mentioned earlier, Hachimura's skillset is tailored to what the Lakers need in the frontcourt. In addition, he already has established chemistry playing alongside former Wizards players Russell Westbrook and Thomas Bryant.
Second, Hachimura being in the starting lineup gives the Lakers a lot of length on the rebounding glass and on the defensive front. Considering that the team were often running a three-guard lineup in most cases, the Purple and Gold could benefit from such a rotation depending on matchups.
Finally, the notion of Hachimura coming off the bench is also quite promising. Should Bryant start alongside Davis to function, Hachimura could come in for Bryant to spot Davis' minutes at 4 at the end of quarters. Such a combination could be lethal for second-string rotations.
Overall, the trade could be immensely beneficial for the Lakers. However, with Davis still recovering, the LA Lakers will have to be patient.
Also read: Watch: Dennis Schroder behaves awkwardly on finding news about Rui Hachimura's trade to LA Lakers