Lakers acquire former first-round pick Rui Hachimura in trade with Wizards
Hachimura was a standout at Gonzaga
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Los Angeles Lakers signed off on a blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards on Monday.
The Lakers agreed to acquire former first-round pick Rui Hachimura from the Wizards for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks, the organizations announced.
ESPN first reported the deal between the two teams was being finalized.
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A member of the Wizards staff massages forward Rui Hachimura after he exited the Orlando Magic game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
"We are excited to welcome Rui and his family to the Los Angeles Lakers," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. "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. We want to thank Kendrick Nunn and his family for his time as a Laker, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future."
Hachimura and the Wizards failed to agree to a rookie extension before the season started, which started the speculation over whether he would be in their future plans. Sources told ESPN the Lakers acquired Hachimura with the intention of signing him to an extension.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hachimura alluded to a potential trade last week.
Wizards forward Rui Hachimura reacts after scoring against the Orlando Magic, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
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"I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player," he 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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Wizards selected Hachimura with the No. 9 overall pick out of Gonzaga. He was an All-Rookie First Team selection for the 2019-20 season.
He’s in the middle of his fourth season with Washington. He is averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 30 games this season.
Wizards forward Rui Hachimura smiles after scoring against Orlando Magic, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Lakers have been rumored to be interested in making a splash before the trade deadline. Los Angeles is 22-25 overall this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.