LAKERS TRADE FOR RUI HACHIMURA

After a more than underwhelming production from Kyle Kuzma last season, the former Laker took a full 180 jump and is now leading Washington on 22 points per game. The Wizards have been building and rebuilding its franchise since the 2010s, trying to build around multiple players during their time in Washington. Neither John Wall nor Westbrook fit that role even though they would carry the franchise, but without making the playoffs. Since then the franchise has set its mind on rebuilding around Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma, who have been leading the Wizards in scoring and winning games when it is crucial.

Having star players in Porzingis and Kuzma means no real space for other forwards, as both players tend to play the power forward position. For Rui Hachimura it meant that we wouldn't last, even after a solid season from the player, there is simply no growth for him if the team wants to focus on the two star players.

Multiple teams have shown interest in trading for Hachimura, the Spurs, the Bucks and the Kings all had offers regarding the Japanese national. After all, the Wizards are struggling to make the play-ins and the teams interested in Rui are currently all in a position to make the playoffs, but not all of them exactly, since the Lakers have also shown interest in the young player. Rui Hachimura's season so far shows great potential all while being a solid role player for a LeBron led team. Saldy for Hachmura, he will most likely not play any post season basketball since the Lakers are currently 12th in the western conference.

With a bit of luck and lots of effort, hopefully the Lakers can make the play-ins and maybe the playoffs with a fired up LeBron. The number one area the Lakers were lacking in was size, but Hachimura was currently averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds on 24 minutes per game. The addition of Hachimura could very well change that, let's hope to see him grow under the wing of LeBron and a developing Lakers team.