“We’re really aiming to win the championship this year. It’s very important that we get off to a good start”. Before the start of the ongoing NBA season, Rui Hachimura had laid out his ambitious expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers’ tournament run. As he highlighted, the player and his squad did get off to a good start, establishing a 3-0 record and even taking it up to 10-4. However, things began to falter from that point onward. As of now, the Lakers have lost 7 of their last 10 games. In light of this, Rui Hachimura now looks from inspiration from a special attendee at the recent game.

The Lakers-Trail Blazers matchup took place at the Crypto.Com Arena. As a result, MLB star Shohei Ohtani could come in to view the same. Accompanied by his wife, the 30-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers player was even featured on the giant screen. He waved as the LA crowd welcomed him with applause. In the game’s aftermath, Rui Hachimura was asked whether he knew the baseball star would grace his presence in the arena. The fact that Hachimura would be asked about Ohtani was obvious, given that both athletes originate from Japan. Even the NBA star believed that, despite playing different sports, he could relate to Ohtani.

“Yeah, he’s a very lowkey guy, you know. You don’t want to be perceived like that. But, you know, I think it’s good (that) we, you know, we both played in (the) most highest level, sports leagues, especially in LA, that’s like the biggest market here,” said Hachimura. “So yeah, it’s just like we support each other, he supports us, support me”.

Revealing that he drew inspiration from the baseball star, the Lakers player added, “I support…. You know, of course, they won, but I think that kind of motivated me too. You know, I want to win in here and we have a lot of chance this year too. So, those are great moments, for sure.”

Rui Hachimura’s remark was a reference to the LA Dodgers who won the MLB World Series earlier this year. While it was the 8 overall championship title that the MLB team took home, it was Shohei Ohtani’s first, since he too only became a part of the Dodgers earlier this year. Before the Dodgers, however, the baseball star was associated with the Los Angeles Angels. Through them, he earned 2 out of 3 MVP titles, several All-Team honors, and unparalleled fame.

Inspired by the success of the 10-year $700 million contract-wielding athlete has gained in LA, Rui Hachimura may have certainly asked himself: ‘Why not me?’

Unfortunately, the NBA star has not been able to find as much success in LA as Shohei Ohtani. This doesn’t mean that he hasn’t tried to make a mark. Hachimura, certainly, made waves during the 2023 playoffs by scoring 29 points in his Lakers post-season debut. He averaged 12.2, 3.6 rebounds, and shot 88.2% from the free-throw line throughout 16 playoff matchups. Unfortunately, the Lakers were eliminated right in the Conference Finals of the 2023 Playoffs. In the 2024 Playoffs, they could not even make it past the first round. Now, possessing a 13-11 win record, there is no guarantee that the team will even make it to the playoffs this year.

Despite this, the 26-year-old is not choosing to give up. He may believe that if not this season, then LA can win the title, with his help, in another. Unfortunately, there may be some other plans in store for the NBA player.

LA trade rumors place Jonas Valančiūnas and Rui Hachimura as part of a trade package

The NBA season has not even approached its late stage, and trade rumors are running rampant. After all, any decisions that need to be made must be completed before the February Trade Deadline. Washington Wizards’ 6-foot-11 center, Jonas Valančiūnas, will reportedly become trade-eligible by December 15th. In light of this information, HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto revealed one should “Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target”.

After all, the LA franchise had previously looked to acquire Valanciunas during the off-season. From what Michael Scotto reported, however, Gabe Vincent may not be the only one the Lakers may let go of.

“NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe two future Lakers first-round draft picks in 2029 and 2031 are the team’s most coveted trade assets, given the Stepien Rule,” Scotto reported. “The Lakers can trade two unprotected first-round picks and three swaps overall. In addition to those draft picks, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent will be discussed on the trade market.”

Hachimura’s starter skills are something that the Lakers certainly value. However, the player is also owed $35.26 million through the 2025-26 season. Given the Lakers’ previous troubles at staying below the luxury tax and apron limits, trading Hachimura would provide some relief. Furthermore, the amount involved makes the power forward highly appealing to any team that isn’t facing financial constraints.

In the end, however, all of these are simply rumors. Rui Hachimura can make a case for why he deserves to be in LA if he wants it. Whether his wishes will be taken into account will be something to see.