The Los Angeles Lakers are very much in the ascendancy in their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, and a big reason for that is Rui Hachimura.
The 25-year-old has averaged 21.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.0 APG in the series so far, and head coach Darvin Ham believes Hachimura has All-Star potential.
“I don’t even think he’s scratched the surface,” Ham said when asked about Hachimura’s top level. “As good as he’s played, I tell people all the time, this kid has All-Star skill, he’s an All-Star type of talent.”
(starts at 2:19 mark):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z3SiLOs-0U
Hachimura has certainly played like an All-Star in this series. He had an incredible showing in Game 1, in particular, scoring a team-high 29 points as he helped the Lakers snatch home-court advantage in the series. If he has another strong showing in Game 4 on Tuesday, then it is hard to see a scenario where the Lakers aren’t up 3-1.
LeBron James Spoke About How He Has Helped Rui Hachimura
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka made some terrific moves during this NBA season, and acquiring Hachimura from the Washington Wizards was the very first one. There have been some bumps along the road, but he has well and truly found his groove now. Hachimura had stated that LeBron James had helped him a lot since his arrival, and James was asked about that after Game 1.
LeBron claimed that he could see the type of player that Hachima could become and that he has been giving him positive messages to explain just how important he is to the team. James also added that Hachimura’s presence helps the Lakers be a more complete team. If he keeps playing this well though, then the Lakers might just have a fork out a bit more money than they’d like to keep him around, as it is reported they could give him a three-year $39 million deal.
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