Days After Austin Reaves Crushed Taylor Swift Rumors, LeBron James’ “Daniel-San” Shoots His Shot at Rihanna

Rui Hachimura, the 25-year-old Japanese forward, is making quite the news this summer. His offseason practice with none other than LeBron James is certainly one. They reportedly carried out multiple trips.

Blessed to have the biggest icon of the game accompanying him, Hachimura chiefly aims to leave his mark in the NBA world. After signing a three-year deal worth $51 million, the 6’8 ‘Japanese Jumpman’ is looking forward to winning the 18th NBA for the Lakers. This time he, along with his few Lakers teammates, was in the news for something else.

Drooling over ‘RiRi’

In a video uploaded by ESPN Los Angeles on X, the Lakers boys were asked to speak about their celebrity crushes. The whole idea behind this was to honor the newly brewing relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. NFL pro, Kelce and popstar Taylor Swift are making quite the headlines. It increased with Swift attending two of Kelce’s NFL games.

The video, as well as the players’ reactions, are hilarious. The funniest reaction was of Austin Reaves. Reaves who was once rumored to be dating Taylor Swift, was asked who his celebrity crush is. He replied, “She’s with Travis Kelce now.” Netizens laughed at his response as he previously disposed of rumors related to them. He pretended to never have met her at that time. Others, namely Wenyen Gabriel and Gabe Vincent, did not answer the question. They denied having any celeb crush. Jalen Hood-Schifino impressed everyone with a witty reply, though. He said that the only crush he has is his girl (read: girlfriend). A pair of sunglasses appeared over his eyes.

Read More: Is LeBron James’ Lakers Teammate Rui Hachimura Playing in the FIBA World Cup?

On Hachimura’s turn, he said something that left the fans amazed. Initially, he could not answer the question. Later he said that he used to have a crush on Rihanna. “I can’t say that, I don’t know, I used to have a crush on Rihanna but I don’t know here, you know”, he said. “.. it’s a little different now so you know, but yeah man, I’ll say Rihanna then, yeah.” Fans teased him after this with the nickname ‘Ruihanna‘.

‘Daniel-san’ to James’ Miyagi?

It would be interesting to watch how Rui performs this year after practicing with the King himself. The former Wizard made it to the Lakers roster this year, despite them cutting off most from last year’s core team. The Lakers management saw the potential in the young Japanese forward and Rui would want to prove himself.

When asked about Rui, LeBron Jameson replied, “We’ve worked out together pretty much all summer. I see a lot in him, I call him my Daniel-san and I’m Mr. Miyagi”, taking reference from the 1984 movie ‘The Karate Kid’. Time will tell how the upcoming NBA season works out for Rui Hachimura. Will he be able to engage himself in a relationship with any other celebrity crush? Because Rihanna is reportedly dating ‘Asap Rocky’ and the couple also have a child. Let’s see!

Watch This Story: MLB News Miles Teller from Taylor Swifts’ Surprise Visit to Phillies Lucky Charm.