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Reading: Magic Johnson Commends Lakers Trade For Rui Hachimura: “He’s Long, Athletic, And Smart.”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Magic Johnson Commends Lakers Trade For Rui Hachimura: “He’s Long, Athletic, And Smart.”

Magic Johnson Commends Lakers Trade For Rui Hachimura: “He’s Long, Athletic, And Smart.”

Magic Johnson is pleased with the Lakers trading for Rui Hachimura but wants the Japanese forward to be more aggressive in LA.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Jan 24, 2023
3 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

The Los Angeles Lakers trade for Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura has been a much-appreciated move by fans and critics alike. Hachimura is a young forward that gives the Lakers size, and corner shooting, and has defensive tools that haven’t been applied very well in Washington. If he can rediscover the reasons he was a lottery pick, the Lakers might have a bargain on their hands.

Magic Johnson took to Twitter to express his happiness with the Lakers trading for Hachimura, expecting the Japanese forward to be more aggressive on both ends with his new team.  

I like the Lakers trade for Rui Hachimura. He’s long, athletic, and smart but has to get more aggressive on both ends of the court.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 23, 2023

Hachimura hasn’t been a high-level defender in his career just yet but playing in LA alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis may help him lock in on that end and use his physical tools to be an impactful defender. The Lakers also have former Hachimura teammates, Russell Westbrook, Troy Brown Jr., and Thomas Bryant, who are bound to make the transition to LA easier for the forward who wanted out of Washington.


What Will Rui Hachimura Provide For The Lakers?

Hachimura is going to be under the bright lights of LA now, which means everything that he does poorly will be magnified and be a source of criticism. He’ll have a defined role in LA unlike in Washington, giving him something to lock into. His last few games in Washington showed he can be a 30-point scorer when the team needs him to be, which is needed in an LA team where players can end up being very streaky.

Given the Lakers had kept up with the Western Conference playoff race with multiple injuries and a poorly-fitting roster, Hachimura could make a big enough swing for the team to finally enter the top 10 this season to secure a play-in spot. 

If additional moves with second-round picks are coming, the Lakers might just have a decent roster for a late-season push, especially with Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker IV, and Anthony Davis returning from injury. 

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TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers ArchiveMagic JohnsonRui Hachimura
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ByIshaan Bhattacharya
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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
Previous Article Knicks And Bucks Discussing Trade To Swap Cam Reddish For Grayson Allen
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