The Lakers made the first notable trade of tradin’ season Monday, acquiring Washington forward Rui Hachimura for three second round draft picks, plus guard Kendrick Nunn. We covered a lot of what Hachimura brings to the table in a special bonus episode of the podcast Monday afternoon, but to summarize:
Hachimura brings much more balance to the rotation, providing a wing who can score and much needed size in the place of a guard (Nunn) who won’t play once Lonnie Walker and Austin Reaves return.
The price to acquire Hachimura was pretty low for a team that has multiple second-round picks.
Hachimura has been disappointing in Washington, but that franchise has been very unstable and not very competitive on the floor, which can definitely limit a young player’s development. In LA, Hachimura won’t have the pressure of bein ga lottery pick. he’s just a dude here to play a role. Context matters.
LeBron makes a lot of guys better, if they can figure out how to play with him.
Now, it’s a chance to look at what the trade means for the Lakers going forward, and what it implies about Rob Pelinka’s strategy going forward. Hachimura is a restricted free agent this summer, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Lakers made this deal with the intention of keeping Hachimura around. That would require a new contract, which would eat into the $30 or so million the Lakers are slated to have available to them this offseason. It means the Lakers would be looking to fill out the roster around Anthony Davis and James, rather than taking a “big swing” at a star.
Important developments, at least in theory.
Meanwhile, Tuesday is Lakers vs. Clippers, and on to preview this very, very important game between two teams that have struggled this season to meet expectations and are only a couple games apart in the standings is Darian Vaziri. Host of Locked on Clippers, plus DimeDropper on YouTube, he helps get everyone up to speed on what’s going on with the Clippers, how the Hachimura trade could impact the W.C. playoff race, whether the Clippers are likely to get the games they need out of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George…
…and what to watch in tonight’s game.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky with guest, Darian Vazini!
SEGMENT 1: What the Hachimura deal signals about the team’s plans this summer.
SEGMENT 2: Lakers vs. Clippers: What’s going on with the LAC? Are they finally getting things together?
SEGMENT 3: What to watch for in Tuesday’s game. Who guards Kawhi? How critical is the battle between starting centers?
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26 Comments
They just need a center now
For the fans saying the Wizards win this trade think again. Remember, the Wizards drafted Rui #9 overall. They traded 2 2nd round picks and a 2nd round pick swap for him 😂 Good to see a trade from the Lakers either way! I expect 1 more trade coming before the deadline.
I thought they just needed to tweak it. I like Rui. Not sure if will be the right fit but he can replace whatever Nunn was doing in certain ways plus more due to height and needs. Feel sorry for Nunn though.
Hachimura didn’t play basketball at a high level until his sophomore season at Gonzaga, he’s later on the development scale than US/Euro players but he’s got untapped potential. He was playing against six-foot centers in Japanese high school a few years ago. Look at how Yuta Watanabe went from a G-Leaguer to a sniper shooting 49% from 3 at age 28 this season. Hachimura if developed patiently could be a poor man’s Pascal Siakam as a project.
The LAkers 🟣🟡 Identity
🏀 6’8-6’10 Power Forwards that can Shoot & Play on the Bloc(k) – LBJ/AD/Bryant/Gabriel/Rui
🏀 6’4-6’7 Athletic Wing Players that can Run – AR/Walker/Brown/Christie
🏀 PG’s that push the Pace – Schroder/Russ
📌 We eventually need a 6’11 or Taller Center that can Run, take the Load off Our PF’s on Defense and make Open Shots in order to compete with the best Teams in the Playoffs.
📌 We need one more 6’6-6’7 Athletic Wing this Year.
33:37 That hesi had me rolling🤣
Whatever he did in Washington is just gonna be better here! We have better coaches and training staff also better facilities obviously he just will need time to feel comfortable and as the season wind down he should be well incremented in team😮
Booooooooooo clippers
Ok ok not definitely my go to laker podcast.. I usually go for Trevor lane at laker nation.. but this crew is good
Why is everyone not saying he just dropped 30 twice this season. Smh
Benjamin Button Bron 👌
The new kid in the block has not even packed his bags and here you guys are putting pressure…
No wonder folks don't realize potential when they join Lakers.
LEBRON’S GREED IS A BIG PROBLEM. HE IS A BILLIONAIRE. HE HAS A 1,000 MILLION DOLLARS. HE COULDN’T GIVE UP TEN MILLION.
990 million is plenty
Another good point. He has played with Russ and Bryant in wash.
I don't know if he just said the Lakers don't need more people to score lol
Good job with bringing the Clippers guy on. He came with some good insight 💯
If Indiana is open to the Hield Turner deal now, they’d absolutely be top tier contenders after this move as well.
Nah man I don't play that . bringing the ops to our world? When I listen to diss songs I put clippers rite their . NOW I DONT MEAN VIOLENCE IM TALKING IN A FUN COMPETITIVE WAY with that ball & court. . if you dont rep purple & gold then you the ops . LETS GOO LAKERS . we going places this year I feel it .
Clipper podcast guy knows his stuff no cap
Rui Hachimura is a bottomline good basketball player with size….an upgrade to the current roster for sure….he played on a wiz roster that doesn't inculcate or teach good defensive habits in young players …hopefully Ham can get more out of him at both ends of the floor
Darian has real good insights and seems well informed….have him more on your shows👍
Dime dropper knows his stuff, more people need to check him out 💯
Always a pleasure fellas
TRADE A FRP
For six or seven 2nd Rounders, especially ones for this year.
The Lakers have shown that they can pull diamonds out of the second round. 6 or 7 bites at the apple will produce more Kuzmas
Has AD even played a full season in total games for us yet…
Let’s get reddish