Rui Hachimura highlights steal show for Lakers in first half of Game 6 vs. Grizzlies

Joseph Corr

Rui Hachimura highlights steal show for Lakers in first half of Game 6 vs. Grizzlies image

Rui Hachimura had a rocky start to his career with the Wizards, but the 25-year-old power forward has found his role with LeBron James and the Lakers.

In the first half of Friday night's Game 6 between the Lakers and Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena, Hachimura stole the show with two electric highlights.

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In the first quarter, Hachimura split two Grizzlies defenders before rising up for the poster jam over Ja Morant.

The dunk drew wild reactions on social media after the Lakers gave the highlight the Hollywood treatment.

In the second quarter, Hachimura backed up his amazing offensive play with incredible defense.

Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane thought he had a layup at the rim after driving past Hachimura, but the former lottery pick came out of nowhere to send the shot away.

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In just two plays, Hachimura showed exactly why the Lakers are so excited about his future with the team.

"This kid has All-Star skill. He's an All-Star type of talent," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said of Hachimura earlier this week. "Him being able to breathe the game and everyone just helping him, all while keeping it simple with him — [James] empowering him, [Anthony Davis] empowering him, his teammates rooting for him.

"You just see it in his play, he's having a great time playing the game of basketball."

Joseph Corr

Joseph Corr Photo

Joseph Corr is a content producer at The Sporting News who has covered the NBA for nearly a decade. A supporter of the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan-era, he is also a fan of his local Australian basketball league; The NBL. Joseph was previously a long-time member of ESPN and Stats Perform’s digital media team, as a reporter, video editor and production assistant. Based in Sydney, Australia Joseph has worked for TSN since 2022.