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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