Rui Hachimura: LA Lakers ‘in advanced talks on trade for Wizards forward’
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BREAKING NEWS: LA Lakers FINALLY make a move to get help from LeBron James as they ‘are in advanced talks about a trade for Wizards forward Rui Hachimura’…with Washington to get ‘Kendrick Nunn and multiple picks from second round’ in return
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in advanced talks to add Wizards forward Rui Hachimura to their roster.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers front office is expediting a trade for the star from the Wizards, with Shams Charania The Athletic added that Lakers guard Kendrick Nunn, along with multiple second-round picks, is expected to head in the other direction.
The move is a smart buy-low move by the Lakers, who have been eager to surround star LeBron James with more talent as they sit 12th in the Western Conference standings.
Wojnarowski added that “advanced talks” now depend on the second-round picks included.
He has reported that a 2023 pick via Chicago and the Lakers’ own pick in 2029 are being considered.
Hachimura was unable to agree to his rookie extension with the Wizards before the season, and his role has diminished as a result.
Wizards head coach Wes Unseld revealed Monday that Hachimura missed practice for “personal reasons,” and a trade from the Lakers is believed to be imminent.
The Japanese striker was open about the possibility of being traded on Saturday when asked what the future holds.
“I just want to be in a place that likes me as a basketball player, and I want to be in a place that likes my game,” he told reporters.
Asked if Washington is still the place where he can prosper, he added: ‘I don’t know. We have to find out.
With the February 9 trade deadline fast approaching, it’s no surprise to see reports that the Lakers are moving forward to sign Hachimura as they prepare for a five-game road trip, which begins Saturday in Boston.
Hachimura, who scored 30 points against the Orlando Magic this weekend, matching the best score of his career, added: ‘I just have to play my game. I know what I can do and I can help the team win. It is here or on another team. I can help teams.
Hachimura is a fourth-year player in the league since being drafted from Gonzaga to Washington with the ninth overall pick in 2019.
Since agreeing to his rookie extension, Hachimura hasn’t started a game this season. For context, he started 105 games in his first two years in the NBA.
Hachimura will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, allowing the Lakers to match any offer sheet submitted to the forward.