Rui Hachimura has become a key piece for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he recently revealed that he was hesitant to join the team at first.
Speaking on the Beyond The Buzzer 13 podcast, Hachimura admitted that when his agent first informed him about the Lakers’ interest, he wanted nothing to do with it. “I was like, ‘Lakers? What Lakers?’ Because I never even thought that I’d be a Laker,” he said, per HoopsHype.
Hachimura was initially focused on finding a team where he could carve out a role and develop at his own pace. “That’s too much. Too much pressure. I’m not ready for that,” he recalled telling his agent. His first instinct was to turn down the move.
The former lottery pick was eventually persuaded after his agent explained the Lakers’ situation. At the time, Los Angeles was struggling to stay in the playoff race and needed an impact player. “He said, ‘They need you,’” Hachimura recalled.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Hachimura has solidified himself as a reliable contributor. Now in his third season with the team, the 27-year-old is averaging 13.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 minutes per game as a starter.
The Lakers (32-20) currently hold the fifth seed in the Western Conference, positioning themselves for another deep postseason run. Hachimura has played a vital role in their success, providing size, versatility, and scoring depth.
