Japan's NBA star Rui Hachimura traded to Los Angeles Lakers
The Japanese forward and Tokyo 2020 Olympian is dealt from the Washington Wizards to LeBron James & Co. ahead of the trade deadline in his fourth NBA season.
Basketball
Rui Hachimura has joined the National Basketball Association's royal family.
Hachimura was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks, the teams announced on Monday (23 January).
One of Japan's faces at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Hachimura is expected to start alongside LeBron James once he is cleared to suit up in the purple and gold.
The Lakers' next game is at home against the crosstown rivals Clippers on Tuesday and host the San Antonio Spurs the following day.
Winter of discontent
Hachimura, who turns 25 next month, is averaging 13.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 24.3 minutes in his fourth NBA season. He was picked ninth overall in the 2019 draft out of Gonzaga University.
The Wizards did not offer the Japanese forward a rookie contract extension in the preseason and has preferred Kyle Kuzma in their frontcourt. Hachimura has not made one start this season.
On Saturday, Hachimura tied a career high with 30 points in the Wizards' 138-118 win against the Orlando Magic. After the game, he did not sound like someone perfectly happy with his current situation.
“I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player, and I want to be somewhere that likes my game, you know?” Hachimura told reporters.
"I just want to be somewhere that believes in me and I can be myself. That's my goal".
The Lakers hope Hachimura's acquistion will give them a lift for the second half of the season. They currently are 12th in the Western Conference, one game out of the play-in tournament.
Hachimura is expected to lead his country at the 25 August-10 September FIBA World Cup being co-hosted by Japan, Philippines and Indonesia.