Rui Hachimura is playing a massive role for the Lakers during the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Through his first three playoff games in the purple and gold, Hachimura has averaged 21.7 points and 5.3 rebounds to help LA get out to a 2-1 series lead over Memphis. As Hachimura continues to turn heads with his play, no one has been more impressed than Lakers head coach Darvin Ham.
"I don't even think he's scratched the surface [of his potential]," Ham told reporters after the Lakers practiced between Games 3 and 4 of the series.
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"This kid has All-Star skill. He's an All-Star type of talent. Him being able to breathe the game and everyone just helping him, all while keeping it simple with him — (LeBron 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."
Darvin Ham on today’s #Lakers practice and Rui Hachimura’s play through the first three games. pic.twitter.com/fPJCmyOX6Y
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 24, 2023
Ham was quick to credit Hachimura for his willingness to work on his game, specifically with assistant coach Phil Handy, who has a resume that includes working with the likes of James, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard, among others.
According to Ham, Handy recognized Hachimura's potential from the moment the Lakers acquired him ahead of the trade deadline.
As a result of the work that he's been putting in, Hachimura is shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 75.0 percent from 3-point range in the playoffs, making the Grizzlies pay for their defensive strategy.
It's still early in the series, but Hachimura's currently the team's third-leading scorer behind only Davis and James.
"He can score at all three levels — he can finish above the rim, play the vertical game, lateral game — his post-up, his mid-range, his 3 ball, catch-and-shoot 3s, his ability to guard different positions, rebound, the kid's a phenomenal talent," Ham added.
"We're extremely thankful that we have him in the fold."
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Without Hachimura's contributions, it's no guarantee that the Lakers would be in the position they are currently in. As LA looks to win its first postseason series since 2020, it will continue to lean on Hachimura's presence as a scorer, rebounder, and defender.
Given the fact that Ham and many others feel that Hachimura has plenty of untapped potential, it's safe to say the 25-year-old impending free agent likely has a bright future ahead of him in LA.
