Hall Of Famer Says Lakers $51 Million Forward NBA ‘Prototype’

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura did wonders last season and now we have legends saying he is a real NBA prototype. Getting him was the real deal for the Lakers. They sent Kendrick Nunn and three-second round picks to the Washington Wizards and yes, Hachimura got the best of this opportunity. In his debut with the Lakers, Hachimura averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 33 games and nine starts in the regular season. He averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in the postseason.

The Lakers front office rewarded Hachimura with a three-year deal worth $51 million. Hall of Famer James Worthy has nothing but words of praise for the talented player. He admires his consistency and impact.

“Rui to me, I’m not gonna say he was the Most Improved Player. But he improved where he was a threat, and a impact player,” said Worthy on Spectrum SportsNet on August 11. “He’s very consistent, and I think the prototype NBA player.”

Lakers could agree with Worthy on his ‘NBA prototype’ comments on the forward

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham found the best way to use Hachimura’s skill set and frame. The Laker went against Nikola Jokic in the Western Conference Finals and Ham really likes his potential. The head coach has high expectations from his player.

"It was a part of our gameplan.. The coaches told me I was going to guard Jokić… I think the second half we did a pretty good job on him." @rui_8mura on the minutes he was defending Nikola Jokić. pic.twitter.com/rYZmdLUP9F

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 17, 2023

“I don’t even think he’s scratched the surface,” Ham said on April 23 via Spectrum SportsNet. “As good as he’s played, I tell people all the time, this kid has All-Star skill. He’s a All-Star type of talent.”

Ham put Hachimura at forward and guard and that’s what makes him a good fit for the Lakers. Worthy respects versatile players and Hachimura is a true gem in this aspect. He has the right size and may ease Lakers’ shooting pain.

“When I say ‘impact player’, he made a difference in a lot of positions,” said Worthy. ”He could shoot the three, he could post up, he could defend, he could defend centers who are bigger than him. His size and his shoulders and his ability to get his shot off without getting it blocked or being interfered [with] is something that I’ve been watching.”