Not many people would have bet on Rui Hachimura being the Lakers’ highest scorer in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies. But that’s precisely what happened, with Hachimura scoring 29 points and draining 5 threes in an excellent display.
After the game was over and the Los Angeles Lakers sealed the win, LeBron James was asked about Hachimura and his growth. James spoke about his leadership and how he has tried to unlock Rui and help him get better.
“I think that’s just part of my leadership, being able to find what sparks every individual to try to reach their potential,” James said after the Lakers beat the Grizzlies. “It’s the same with Rui, I see the type of player he is but he can become.
“I just try to stay in his ear, give him positive motivation and positive messages, telling him how important he is to our team. And for us to reach the goal we want to reach, he has to be a huge part of that. And he wants to be. He’s asked me multiple times, ‘What do I need to do to help the team win?’ And I tell him exactly what he need to do.
“It’s not about making shots, that happens. His presence alone, his size, his athleticism. It brings another dynamic to our club… He helps us be a complete team.”
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LeBron James has led teams to the NBA Finals 10 times before this, and he is known for helping his teammates be the best versions of themselves. There can be no better mentor for young players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura than LeBron, and it’s clearly working out well for them.
LeBron James Has Had Some Interesting Plans For Rui Hachimura Since The Lakers Got Him
Rui Hachimura was the first move the Lakers made during their trade deadline roster revamp. And while he wasn’t the biggest name, it was clear that he would be an amazing pickup for the Lakers. LeBron James already had some interesting ideas of what he wanted from Hachimura.
“We don’t want Rui to fit in, we want him to fit out. We don’t want him to just come in and just be on some cool because that’s what he is, he’s super cool, low-key, low-maintenance. But his ability and what he can bring to our team, we need him to showcase that every night for us.”
It’s unlikely that Rui Hachimura can repeat his 29-point performance consistently in. the playoffs, but he doesn’t always need to. The Lakers now have 5 players capable of going off at any time, and that makes them a serious dark horse in the playoffs this season.
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