?That?s Because of Kobe?: With a Japanese Mother, LeBron James? New Teammate Has Claims About Japan Which Leaves NBA Fans Divided

Los Angeles Lakers fans ached for an addition to the team, looking at the recent performances and the weak roster. After several weeks, the Lakers made an addition to the team this week by trading their young guard Kendrick Nunn for Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura. Fans loved the addition as the young Japanese player is a dominant force. Hachimura recently shared with the media his excitement about joining the Lakers squad.?

Hachimura made his debut against the San Antonio Spurs yesterday. The Japanese forward’s take on the Lakers organization has caught the attention of NBA buffs, with some appreciating his word, while others seemingly did not.?

Rui Hachimura divides fans with statement on the Lakers

After joining the team, the 24-year-old forward mentioned the fame of the Lakers organization all over the world and especially in Japan. Hachimura said,?“Lakers is literally the most famous team in Japan… as a country we’re so happy about this move.?. It’s no doubt that the forward is proud of himself for representing his country in the NBA and now for the Lakers. However, his statement seemed to divide fans’ opinions.?

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Though some fans loved his words towards the organization, a few trolled the Japanese for bringing in his country. Many credited the late great Kobe Bryant as the reason for the Lakers being so popular in Japan and across the globe.?

Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:

The majority of fans seemed to appreciate the Lakers for this addition. The Japanese forward mentioned in his Twitter, “New Chapter…” as he made his debut yesterday. Fans are expecting a few more moves from the organization with the nearing trade deadline. Names like?Fred VanVleet from the Toronto Raptors and Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls have been mentioned as potential candidates to join the team as they are currently testing the waters of free agency. Although this looks like a huge trade, anything can be expected right before the deadline. With proper additions to the team, the Lakers might have an easy path to the playoffs.

Hachimura debuts against the San Antonio Spurs

Just two days after joining the team, Hachimura made his debut against the San Antonio Spurs as a starter. The 6’8″ forward scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist in 22 minutes. Along with Hachimura, Anthony Davis made his long-awaited return after a foot injury. Anthony Davis finished the night with 21 points, and 12 rebounds while LeBron James scored 20 points to lead the team to a 113-104 victory over the Spurs.

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The Lakers now arguably have a solid main five, with Russell Westbrook coming off the bench. A few more potential additions could be the key to pushing the Lakers up the Western Conference table.?

Who do you think can make a difference for the Lakers this season? Let us know in the comments below.