SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Add Rui Hachimura in Trade with Wizards

Lakers Add Rui Hachimura in Trade with Wizards

The Los Angeles Lakers have struck first in the 2023 NBA trade market. The Lake Show sends guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks for the Washington Wizards for swingman Rui Hacimura.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal includes a 2023 second-round pick from Chicago, the 2029 Lakers pick, and the less favorable pick between the two.

Last week, Hachimura announced he wanted to play somewhere else. The Lakers plan on signing Hachimura to an extension in the offseason.

“I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player,” Hachimura said. “And I want to be somewhere that likes my game. … I just want to be somewhere that believes in me and I can be myself. That’s my goal.”

Hachimura is expected to assist LeBron James and the Lakers with 3-point shooting and defense.

“Adding both size and depth to the wing position has been a goal, and the chance to accomplish that by acquiring a player with Rui’s two-way skills and upside was an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and GM Rob Pelinka said.

Hachimura is averaging 13 points and 4.3 rebounds this season.

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Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors Ramp Up

Russell Westbrook has been through a lot over this past year. For the most part, he has gotten a lot of hate from the fans. Overall, this is due to his play last season, which was less than ideal. However, he has improved significantly this year as now, he starts games on the bench.

With Westbrook playing good basketball, there are now some teams who want to go out and get Russ. The Lakers have been sitting back and listening to these offers, contemplating their next move. After all, this is a team looking to make a splash close to playoff time.

Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to the referee in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Where Will Russell Westbrook Go?

One of the teams that have been rumored as a destination for Russ is the San Antonio Spurs. According to LJ Ellis of Spurs Talk, the Spurs would be interested in Russ as they are seen as sellers this season. Josh Richardson and Jakob Poeltl are two players that would be coming back to the Lakers.

However, it remains to be seen if this actually moves the needle for the purple and gold. Overall, they need a huge difference-maker, especially from beyond the arc. Most fans feel as though they should be going after players like Buddy Hield, and even Kyrie Irving should something drastic happen.

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

At this point, the Lakers may just be better off keeping Russ and riding with him into the postseason. After all, they can just let him go in free agency this off-season.

Let us know where Russ should go, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the sports world.

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Patrick Beverley Trolls Damian Lillard With His Own Move

Patrick Beverley is known as a player who can get under your skin. While he doesn’t put up a lot of numbers, he is certainly a ton of fun to watch on defense. Overall, he has played decently for the Los Angeles Lakers, and last night, he was of great use to the team.

For instance, he was getting in the head of Damian Lillard. In the second quarter, Lillard and Beverley got into it. Consequently, Lillard told Pat Bev “I’ll beat your ass.” What is funny about this is that the Blazers went from being up 40-38 to being up 71-46 at halftime.

Patrick Beverley Gets Revenge

However, the Lakers could not be counted out as LeBron dropped 37 points. Eventually, the Lakers were able to chip away at the lead and they even won by a score of 121-112. Overall, it was a huge comeback, and Pat Bev knew exactly how to celebrate it.

In the video clip down below, Beverley can be seen mimicking Damian Lillard’s iconic “Dame Time” celebration. This time, however, the watch clearly wasn’t working as Patrick Beverley took it off and shoved it in his pocket. It was yet another instance of Beverley being extra, although you could tell the fans loved it.

With this latest win, the Lakers are now a step closer to getting into the postseason. They still need to string together a few wins in a row in order to get play-in status, however, Anthony Davis is returning soon. Furthermore, their upcoming games are fairly winnable, except for maybe the match against the Boston Celtics.

In addition to the Lakers’ playoff hopes, James is trying to hunt down Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time scoring title. For now, LeBron is just 223 points away, which means he is likely to break the record in about seven or eight games. There is no doubt that this will be a huge accomplishment that turns heads.

As for Pat Bev, he will continue to be the league’s most prolific pest.

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Anthony Davis & The Lakers Get Amazing News

Anthony Davis has had horrible luck when it comes to his injury history. At this point, everyone knows that AD is constantly injured. Overall, it has hurt the Lakers the most, especially since they are the ones who need him in order to be successful. Without him on the floor, things just aren’t cohesive.

Consequently, his teammates and fans have been praying for his return. The Lakers are now 20-25, and if they want a spot in the playoffs, they need him back. However, if he rushes back to the court, then he will be no better off as the risk of reinjury is very high.

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench during the first quarter against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on December 28, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Good News For Anthony Davis

Now, however, it seems like AD is doing very well. According to ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin, AD isn’t feeling any pain anymore. Additionally, it is very likely he returns to action in just about a week from now.

“They’re going to have Anthony Davis back on the court,” McMenamin said. “Anthony Davis is, as we speak right now, potentially a week away from returning. He’s going to continue the ramp-up process, go through a couple full-fledged practices, full-court.

“And it will be all about how his body responds the next day. But if he has everything continue to go the right way, he will be back playing for the Lakers next week at Crypto.com Arena, and be with them for that entire road trip.”

This is incredible news for the Los Angeles Lakers. They are in desperate need of a boost, and having AD back on the court will most definitely do that for them. Hopefully, it all goes according to plan.

Let us know what you think the Lakers can do with AD on the floor, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.T

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Magic Johnson Makes Wild Claim About Victor Wembanyama

Magic Johnson is the best point guard to ever play the game of basketball. At this point, most NBA fans can agree that this is a fact. He won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and mesmerized fans with his passing. Overall, he is probably a top-five player to ever step on an NBA court.

If you’re a fan of Johnson, then you know that he still loves the game of basketball. Sure, he doesn’t work for the Lakers anymore, however, he is always trying to evaluate talent. So much so that he is now weighing in on the current consensus number-one overall prospect for the 2023 NBA Draft.

Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. attends the match between Philadelphia Union and LAFC as part of the MLS Cup Final 2022 at Banc of California Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Magic Johnson Speaks

That man is none other than Victor Wembanyama. At 7’4,” Wembanyama is looking like an absolute beast of a player. He is killing it over in France and subsequently, teams believe he can be their savior. As for Magic Johnson, he believes the kid is better than just good.

“I had the chance to meet and talk to the best player in the world and this year’s number one pick in the NBA draft Victor Wembanyama!” Johnson said. Yes, you read that right. Johnson is actually claiming that Wembanyama is the best player in the entire world.

As you can see in the tweets below, many found this to be incredibly bold. Overall, Wembanyama has yet to do anything at the pro level. For all we know, he could wind up being a huge bust. However, Magic seems to have a ton of confidence in the young man.

Let us know what you think of Magic’s prediction, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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Lakers Reportedly Targeting This Young Knicks Star

If you are a Lakers fan, you know that your team is in need of some help right now. They are starting to fall behind in the Western Conference, and it is going to take a small miracle to actually make the playoffs. Overall, it is just a negative situation, especially with Anthony Davis gone.

In just a couple of weeks from now, it will be the trade deadline. Of course, the trade deadline is one of the best opportunities for a team to get better. However, it will be hard for the Lakers to do anything as their assets have dwindled over the last few years.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Lakers & Knicks

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Lakers are reportedly looking toward a young player for the New York Knicks. That player just so happens to be Cam Reddish. Reddish is a player who some feel hasn’t truly gotten a fair shake with the teams he has played for.

Moreover, in terms of assets that would be going back to New York, it is believed that Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn would have to be part of the deal. Overall, this is not the biggest trade the Lakers could do, however, every little bit helps at this point.

Cam Reddish #0 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

LeBron James wants to win his fifth title, and the Lakers cannot do it as presently constructed. However, it’s hard to see Reddish truly moving the needle here. No matter what, the Lakers need more.

Let us know what you think of this potential move, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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This LeBron James Stat Reveals Just How Long He’s Been Playing For

LeBron James has been playing in the NBA for 20 seasons at this point. Just a couple of weeks ago, he turned 38 years old, yet he is still playing like he is in his prime. For instance, just last night, he dropped 32 points against the Sacramento Kings. Sure, he didn’t win, however, he got one step closer to the scoring record.

When all is said and done, James will be a top 2 player in NBA history. Whether his haters like it or not, there is no denying what kind of contributions he made to the game. Simply put, you have to be the worst kind of hater in order to take away from what James has accomplished.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

LeBron James & The Ridiculous Stat

There are quite a few stats that showcase just how good LeBron is. However, this stat from Bleacher Report may stun you. As you can see from the Instagram post below, James has played against nine father-son duos at this point. Of course, this stat was researched following his hilarious run-in with Jabari Smith Jr.

The duos in question are Gary Payton & Gary Payton II, Kenyon Martin Sr. & Jr., Rick & Jalen Brunson, Gary Trent Sr. & Jr., Adrian & AJ Griffin, Glenn Robinson Jr. & III, Glen Rice Sr. & Jr., Samaki & Jabari Walker, and Jabari Smith Sr. & Jr. Overall, this is nothing short of impressive.

As far as LeBron is concerned, he just wants to win that fifth title so he can match Kobe Bryant. For now, however, that is going to be a lot easier said than done. Hopefully, the Lakers find a way to get the necessary pieces.

Let us know your thoughts on this wild statistic, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the sports world.

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Russell Westbrook Tells Lakers Coaches To Do Better, LeBron Steps In

Russell Westbrook has certainly had a difficult time while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. There have been times when he just hasn’t been at the top of his game. Overall, this has caused some interesting discourse amongst fans. For the most part, they believe he should be traded.

Now, however, Westbrook is enjoying a new role as a bench player. He plays with the team’s second unit, and for the most part, he has elevated his game. Although, there are still times when Russ is frustrated, and he allows himself to vocalize such frustrations.

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook Vs. Lakers Coaches

Last night, the Lakers won a game against the Houston Rockets. LeBron scored 48 in the match, however, Russell Westbrook was upset at halftime. In the video clip which can be seen down below, Russ told some of the coaches that they have to do better. Subsequently, the coach told Russ that everyone does, not just the coaches.

Eventually, LeBron stepped into the conversation and the whole thing was resolved. Overall, it didn’t look like the biggest argument ever. However, it is interesting to see such conversations happen on the sidelines.

As it stands, the Lakers are a team that boasts a measly record of just 20-24. This is not good enough if they want to make it all the way to the playoffs this year. Although, the Lakers have improved since the start of the year, which is definitely something to hang on to. It is clear that the absence of Anthony Davis is beginning to weigh on them a bit.

Let us know what you think of this argument, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the sports world.

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Russell Westbrook Roasted Over Horrible Last Shot Attempt

Russell Westbrook has made some pretty bad shots as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Overall, numerous fans have shown a sort of distaste for him over the years. Unfortunately, Russ has been unable to truly shake these criticisms. Even in his new role off the bench, Westbrook just hasn’t been able to be the guy the Lakers need.

Consequently, when Russ makes a mistake, the fans are ready to let him know. That is exactly what happened Sunday night as Russ missed the last shot to beat the 76ers. Instead, the Sixers won the game and made the Lakers look terrible. In the video clip below, you can see just how poor Westbrook’s attempt at the basket truly was.

Russell Westbrook Responds

According to reporter Kyle Goon, Russell Westbrook spoke about his last shot after the game. Subsequently, he blamed Joel Embiid, claiming that Embiid fouled him. Westbrook believes had Embiid let go of him, he could have easily made the game-winning lay-up.

“Russell Westbrook said in the locker room that the final play was a shot attempt that was obstructed by Joel Embiid grabbing his right arm,” Goon wrote. “Westbrook showed a handful of reporters a screenshot of the play where Embiid appears to be grabbing him.”

Unfortunately for Westbrook, fans were not trying to hear any of this. In the tweets below, you can find various posts in which people were livid with Westbrook. Overall, he has become an easy target for basketball fans, and his latest efforts certainly did not help. If you’re a Lakers fan, you probably had steam coming out of your ears last night.

For the Lakers, this season has been one step forward, and two steps back. They remain outside of the playoff race, and these losses are not helping their case.

Let us know what you thought of the play, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the basketball world.

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Lakers Reportedly Interested In These Two Point Guards

LeBron James and the Lakers are a team in need of some help. With Anthony Davis injured, it has become difficult for the team to make a run. They are stuck at 13th in the Western Conference, however, they remain just 2.5 games out of sixth place, which is kind of remarkable. Overall, they can still make a big splash.

That being said, many are looking toward the Lakers as the trade deadline arrives soon. The trade deadline could be a big deal for the team as there are plenty of teams looking to buy and sell. When it comes to the Lakeshow, they are seen as more of a buyer than anything else.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drive to basket against Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Lakers Want Point Guards

According to reporter Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, there are two point guards that the Lakers are interested in. These two guards are Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry. The Raptors and the former Raptors are highly skilled at their positions and are seen as upgrades over Russell Westbrook.

Additionally, both of these point guards are being put on the trading block. The Raptors know VanVleet can walk at the end of the year. Moreover, the Heat don’t want to pay Lowry anymore. Having said that, both could be the perfect players to trade Westbrook for.

Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat embraces Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors following their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 3, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

The Lakers still have plenty of time to make a decision. Having said that, fans want to win now, and they aren’t going to tolerate another losing season, especially with LeBron at the helm.

Let us know who you think the Lakers should pursue, in the comment down below. Additionally, keep it locked to HNHH for more news from around the NBA.

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