Sports

BASKETBALL | Rui Hachimura Makes a Solid Impact in His Lakers Debut

Two days after being traded from the Washington Wizards to Los Angeles, Rui Hachimura scores 12 points and grabs six boards in a win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2023

Ed Odeven

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura shoots a jumper as San Antonio Spurs forwards Keita Bates-Diop and Jeremy Sochan defend in the second half on January 25 in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

Read the full article on SportsLook - Rui Hachimura Makes a Solid Impact in His Lakers Debut

Rui Hachimura teamed up with LeBron James to ignite the Los Angeles Lakers during a pivotal stretch of the fourth quarter on Wednesday, January 26.

In Hachimura's LA debut, the Lakers trailed 85-81 after about a half minute of play in the final quarter. Then the hosts turned it up a notch on offense against the San Antonio Spurs. Hachimura scored six of his 12 points and James added five points during a game-changing 22-6 scoring run.

That gave the Lakers a commanding 12-point lead with 5:12 remaining. Los Angeles defeated San Antonio 113-104.

Hachimura, who was acquired by the Lakers from the Washington Wizards on Monday, came off the bench and played 22 minutes. He shot 4-for-7 from the field, including 1 of 3 from 3-point range, and sank 3 of 6 free-throw attempts. Hachimura grabbed six rebounds, handed out one assist and made a steal.

In addition, the Lakers had a plus-17 point differential with Hachimura on the floor, the bulk of which was a result of their decisive run in the final period.

“This was only one game, but I think it is going to be great,” Hachimura said, according to The Associated Press.

*Rui Hachimura looks to pass after grabbing a loose ball in the first half. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)*

First Points as a Laker

The former Gonzaga University standout entered the game with 4:22 remaining in the first quarter, replacing center Thomas Bryant.

With 3:08 to play in the opening stanza, the Toyama native scored his first two points in a Lakers uniform, converting two foul shots. That pulled LA within 24-22.

The Spurs led 30-25 after the first quarter and 54-52 at halftime.

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and Twitter ＠ed_odeven.