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BASKETBALL | Wizards Forward Rui Hachimura Traded to Lakers

Los Angeles acquired Rui Hachimura, who's in his fourth season in the NBA, in exchange for shooting guard Kendrick Nunn and three future draft picks.

Published

1 year ago

January 24, 2023

Ed Odeven

Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura shoots a jumper as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado defends in the second half on January 9 in Washington. (Terrance Williams/AP)

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Rui Hachimura is joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Washington Wizards dealt the fourth-year pro to the Lakers in exchange for veteran guard Kendrick Nunn and a trio of future draft picks, the NBA teams said on Monday, January 23.

In his final game for the Wizards, Hachimura scored 30 points in a blowout home victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday, January 21, matching his career-high point total.

Two days later, the Lakers and Warriors hammered out the details to complete the trade, which includes the Wizards receiving the Lakers' 2023 second-round draft selection (from the Chicago Bulls). And in both 2028 and 2029, Washington will receive a second-round pick from Los Angeles.

The NBA trade deadline is February 9.

"We watched Rui grow as a professional during his time here and appreciate his contributions on and off the court," Wizards President Tommy Sheppard said in a statement.

Sheppard added, "We wish him the best as he begins a new chapter in Los Angeles."

The Wizards (20-26) are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, while the LeBron James-led Lakers (22-25) are 12th in the Western Conference. Both teams are hoping to move up in the standings and qualify for the playoffs or the play-in tournament (for the 7th-through-10th place clubs) in their respective conference.

Adding Depth for the Lakers

Lakers general manager Rob Palinka said the acquisition of the 203-cm Hachimura will augment the team's mix of wing players.

"Adding both size and depth to the wing position has been a goal, and the chance to accomplish that by acquiring a player with Rui’s two-way skills and upside was an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often," Pelinka said in a statement.

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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.