The Rui Hachimura trade gets the thumbs up from Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Los Angeles got trade season started on Monday by acquiring Hachimura from Washington. In return, the Wizards received Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks for the former lottery pick.
Johnson said that Hachimura is going to "really help the Lakers on both ends of the court," adding that his length and size will make a difference defensively.
Laker Nation, Rui Hachimura is going to really help the Lakers on both ends of the court. He’s averaging 13 points and his length and size will help us on the defensive end!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 24, 2023
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Hachimura appeared in 30 games with the Wizards this season, posting averages of 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.4 steals on 48.8 percent shooting from the field. He tied his career high of 30 points in his final game in a Wizards uniform.
The Sporting News' Gilbert McGregor gave the Lakers a B grade for the trade. While Los Angeles will have to navigate Hachimura's free agency in the offseason, McGregor believes the move "feels like a precursor to others and is a step in the right direction" for the franchise.
TSN's Steph Noh took a closer look at how Hachimura fits specifically with LeBron James. Hachimura's defensive shortcomings aren't as problematic next to Anthony Davis, Noh writes, and while he hasn't been a knockdown 3-point shooter to this point of his career, there's reason to believe he will be one next to James.
More from Noh:
Hachimura wasn't getting a ton of those open looks with the Wizards. The team was ranked 28th in percentage of wide open 3's generated at the time that the trade news broke, partially because they've had below-average point guard play throughout his tenure. This season, Delon Wright has passed the ball the most to Hachimura. Last year, that player was Ish Smith.
Hachimura is going from those two mediocre playmakers to LeBron James, one of the best passers of all-time. LeBron will get Hachimura the highest-quality looks that he has ever had in his career.
Hachimura won't play against the Clippers on Tuesday, but he could make his Lakers debut on Wednesday.
