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Reading: Shaquille O’Neal Apologies To Rui Hachimura: “I Didn’t Know Who You Were, I Know Who You Are Now…”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Shaquille O’Neal Apologies To Rui Hachimura: “I Didn’t Know Who You Were, I Know Who You Are Now…”

Shaquille O’Neal Apologies To Rui Hachimura: “I Didn’t Know Who You Were, I Know Who You Are Now…”

Shaq finally knows who Rui Hachimura is.

Nico Martinez
Feb 17, 2023
3 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

Rui Hachimura may have been stuck in purgatory with the Wizards, but he is quickly making himself known as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

As a prime example of how much life can change for a player moving from a small market team to a large market team, Hachimura’s career will never be the same after his trade to Los Angeles. And now, even Shaquille O’Neal is paying him his respect.

Speaking on the ‘BIG podcast,’ O’Neal gave a special mention to Rui as he apologized for not knowing his name after the Lakers trade.

“Let me apologize to [Rui] Hachimura,” said Shaq. “I didn’t know who he was because I never watch the bull play, but he’s a fine role-player… So [Rui] Hachimura I apologize I didn’t know who you were, I know you are now and I wish you well…”

For those who don’t remember, ONeal blasted Rui after the Lakers picked him up earlier this season. In an unhinged reaction, he admitted he had never heard of Rui and mocked Rob Pelinka for adding him to the squad.

“I don’t know who the f**k that is. Who the f**k is that?! Excuse my French, like, come on, Rob! We’re trying to win championships. Who is that, seriously? Can he play? I ain’t even heard of him…”

Well, it seems like Rui has made Shaq eat his words, and his play off the bench has been huge for them since their string of trades earlier this month.


Can Rui Help The Lakers Make The Playoffs?

Sadly, even with the additions of Rui, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers are still facing an uphill climb to make the playoffs this season.

As of the time of writing, the Lakers sit 13th in the West and just 3.5 games back from the 6th-place Mavericks. If they want to secure their spot and avoid a dog fight in the play-in, they will need to be close to perfect from here on out.

And while a thin margin for error has become normal for the Lakeshow this season, there is added pressure to make a run given all the moves Rob Pelinka made this deadline.

Rui Hachimura, so far, has been a positive for the Lakers. But it will take big performances from everybody to have the kind of run this team is hoping for.

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TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers ArchiveRui HachimuraShaquille O'Neal
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ByNico Martinez
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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
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