Anthony Davis Sends Message On Rui Hachimura After Lakers Defeat Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets and Rui Hachimura stole the show. That’s what James Worthy tweeted following the game. Lakers big man Anthony Davis had great words for Hachimura and fans would agree with him on this one.

"Rui to me was the player of the game"

– James Worthy

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 3, 2023

Hachimura finished the game with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks on 10-of-14 shooting from the field.

“Defensively,” Davis said of his teammate. “Obviously, we know what he can do offensively. Midrange, he gets to the basket and shoots, but defensively, he had three huge blocks. Contest at the rim, guys try to dunk, he goes and gets those blocks. So defensively, he was really great tonight.”

Hachimura, Davis, other Lakers players can do wonders in the playoffs

Getting Hachimura was the real deal for the Lakers. He turned out to be a fitting piece for Darvin Ham’s puzzle.

The Lakers got young Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in January. Hachimura will probably become a restricted free agent this summer. Will the Lakers keep him around for a while?

“Los Angeles acquired Hachimura with the intention of signing him to an extension this summer, sources said. Hachimura can be a restricted free agent,” Wojnarowski reported. “The Lakers believe that Hachimura gives them another sizable wing defender who has shown an ability to make corner 3-pointers and midrange shots when teams run the Lakers off the 3-point line. He has shot 40.8% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers over the past two seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, and is shooting 35.1% on catch-and-shoot 3s over the course of his career.”

Jovan Buha discussed Hachimura’s role with the Lakers, too. He reported in January that the talented Laker is “expected to command a double-digit annual salary” in July. There are several options for Hachimura at this point. He can stay with the franchise or join any other team who matches Rob Pelinka’s offer.

The Lakers trust Hachimura and his potential. The 25-year-old couldn’t show his true potential because the Wizards were focused on Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija. LA is pretty crowded, too, but Hachimura got his chance to shine.