Lakers reportedly trade for Rui Hachimura, send Kendrick Nunn, 3 second-round picks to Wizards

It looks like NBA trade season is starting in earnest. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojanrowski, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded for Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura. In return, the Lakers are reportedly sending back Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks.

Finalized deal: Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Nunn, 2023 second via Chicago, 2029 LA second and and less favorable of 2028 Washington/LA seconds, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2023

Hachimura was the ninth overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA Draft. He played a ton in his first two seasons, starting 105 total games, but that number fell down a cliff during the 2021-2022 season. He started just 13 games, appearing in just 42 total. This season he's appeared in 30, starting none.

The Wizards reportedly began exploring trade options for Hachimura a little over a week ago, but the writing may have been on the wall from the start of the season. Back in October, the Wizards didn't offer Hachimura a rookie extension and since they have enough forwards (Kyle Kuzma being one), he became a little less necessary to the team.

The Wizards' loss is the Lakers' gain. Los Angeles needs more players to bulk up their problematically thin roster, and Hachimura satisfies one of their biggest needs.

When asked about the possibility of being traded last weekend, Hachimura seemed pretty sanguine about the whole thing. He didn't seem to mind the idea of playing somewhere else as long as they like his game.

"I just got to play my game. I know what I can do, and I can help the team to win," Hachimura said after putting up 30 points in a victory over the Orlando Magic, his final game as a Wizards player. "It's either here or other team. I can help teams."

Source: Read Full Article