Los Angeles Lakers have climbed their way back to the Top 5 in the West. Standing as the fourth seed, the team has shown nothing but determination to bounce back. Undoubtedly, Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been the pillars in the most difficult games. But wait—Rui Hachimura‘s been stepping up big-time this season too! After a rough December, the team needed a shake-up. Something clicked and Hachimura’s got the inside scoop on what changed!

Fresh off a win against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Hachimura hinted at a newfound composure fueling their turnaround, proving the Lakers are heating up at just the right time. So, what have the Lakers been doing well in the last couple of weeks? Rui Hachimura responded: “Just focusing on us you know. Especially in December, after the Miami game, we had a meeting. And then we talked about, we got to focus on us and that’s why we’ve been doing it. That’s why I think we’ve been all right.”

Averaging 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with an impressive 48% shooting, the Japanese forward has been a solid piece in JJ Redick’s Lakers squad this season. Surely his numbers will improve, but what’s important is that despite ups and downs, the team has found its groove since a crushing 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat in December. And Hachimura has been a contributing factor here.

The team has impressively gone 7-3 in their last ten games with Hachi-chan playing extremely well. But it looks like new trade rumors are swirling around the star. For a while now, the small forward has been in the talk of town regarding trades and opportunities. Suddenly (or maybe not), rumors are linking him to the Chicago Bulls for their $215 million star. So, what’s going on?

Is Rui Hachimura under the Chicago Bulls radar?

There is no secret about the Lakers GM, Rob Pelinka’s ambition this season. He wants to build a strong team not just for now, but for the upcoming seasons. And well, he has played his first move in this game by trading D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

Meanwhile, the Lakers might be cooking up a bold move for Bulls’ star Zach LaVine, and LeBron’s pal Cuffs The Legend isn’t holding back. On social media, he floated the idea of trading Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves for the $215 million scorer. While LaVine’s offense shines, his defensive struggles could be risky, as Hachimura and Reaves bring the grit the Lakers need. Is this blockbuster trade worth the gamble?

Of course, the decision lies in the front office’s hands. The Lakers side had previously claimed that they are looking for long-term plans with Rui Hachimura. But well, to build or rebuild a team, two weeks is more than enough to change the minds. So now, in the upcoming days before the trade market hits its deadline on Feb 6. will be interesting and full of drama. Thus, you’ve got to watch out!