According to recent reports, Rui Hachimura has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and most people have lauded this move from the Lakers as it will give them more depth and also address their issues in lack of wing players. Following the surprising trade, many experts shared their opinions and among them ESPN’s Bobby Marks made some interesting points as he believes that it boosts the chances in the postseason for the Lakers as they surely get a more reliable stretch forward.
The stretch forward area is something that the Lakers needed and that’s exactly what they got in Hachimura. Marks feels that Hachimura’s addition allows Darvin Ham to shuffle up the starting lineup and at times he may throw in the Japanese superstar on certain occasions. However Marks still feels that the Lakers are not a top six outfit and only Anthony Davis’ return will help them get back in stead.
“I like the fit,” Marks said. “I think this Laker team, will they get into the top six? I would say, unlikely. I think Davis is going to be the key here, right? When they get Anthony Davis back, you can roll up a lineup of LeBron, Hachimura, AD at the five, Hachimura gives you a big, young stretch four.”
He highlighted how it is a flyer deal from the Lakers perspective as it seems like a 40 or more games audition for Hachimura and if he plays well they can re-sign him as he is a restricted free agent.
“It’s a flyer. If it works out, you can re-sign him. You’ve got Bird rights. He’s a restricted free agent. I like it from the Lakers’ perspective. You didn’t have to move any of your firsts, it cost you three seconds. You got a 40-game sample audition. And this team competes. … I like this more for the Lakers here,” Marks points out.
It was Adrian Wojnarowski who revealed the trade and shared that the Wizards will receive Kendrick Nunn and three second round picks.
It is good to see the Lakers making moves finally as they now look desperate to improve and get to the postseason. They are 12th in the Western Conference with an underwhelming 22-25 record. Hopefully with a couple of more moves things will improve for LeBron James and company in the current season.
