“I can be in the right position. I can use my length. And I think that’s the one thing I’ve been working on with the coaches and I think it’s getting better.” Via LA Times, Rui Hachimura reported that his offensive efforts have necessarily increased. He had to take on more ‘dynamic’ Players on the edge. Luckily, the 26-year-old power forward appears to be doing well given JJ Redick’s new plans. His average points may be lower than the previous season, but his rebounds have increased. It is this stat that played a key role in the Lakers’ recent victory. A fact that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis appreciate.

After the Lakers’ 103-99 win over the Kings, LeBron James gave his flowers to Rui Hachimura during the postgame question-and-answer session. He explained: “I mean, he was great. I just think, like you said, he pays attention to detail. He knows what we do every night and we rely on Him. I mean, he’s a big piece of our puzzle and the biggest possession of the game was that offensive rebound against… One of the best rebounders in our league against Sabonis, and that was just super important and helped us win the game.”

“Big piece of our puzzle.” With those five words, LeBron James may have derailed the power forward trade rumor discussion. If that wasn’t enough, Anthony Davis’ praise would only help further Hachimura’s LA hopes.

“At one point in the past I completely missed it. Either left, short, right or long. But I definitely appreciate Rui, you know, with the tip. My wife even called me and said, “He saved you,” you know. That made me feel worse than…” AD said as some reporters laughed. “But I mean, at the end of the day, Rui got a clue when we got knocked down, and that’s the reason we were able to get the win.”

In the most recent match between the Lakers and the Kings, Rui Hachimura only scored 9 points despite playing 38 minutes. He made up for it with his 11 rebounds. This put his efficiency rating for the game at 10. This performance followed a string of other memorable games. One of them included the matchup against the Trail Blazers, where Hachimura scored 23 points!

That could have been the cause The Athletics Jovan Buha makes the claim that Rui is viewed as “longer-term piece”. Even a recent report from Athlon sports claimed that the power forward “Seems to be the safest of the group as both head coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka have indicated they are considering him as part of their long-term plans.” If anyone saw anything during the last game, it was the Gonzaga alum’s ability to design plays based on changing circumstances.

Rui Hachimura discussed Anthony Davis’ use in planning his big rebound: “I have to give something back to the team”

The highlight of the game for Rui Hachimura came when there were 12.1 seconds left on the clock. The Lakers led 101-99, and Anthony Davis’ free throw would have helped extend the lead. AD missed. But Rui, who was standing close to the edge, jumped and “Will Smith’d” the ball. The change could well have given the Lakers a win. It certainly helped the Japanese star earn the respect of his teammates!

When addressing the move, Hachimura explained: “I saw they subbed Alex Len on, so they knew it was going to be a big rebound play. There were three big men down there, so I knew the other man next to me was going to AD. So I knew if I pushed him a little bit I could get into a good position and get her out. I’ve literally done this all season, you’ve seen it. But this was urgently needed. I felt kind of bad about missing the last three in the corner, so I thought I had to get something back for the team. It was a good win.”

If reports from Jovan Buha and Athlon Sports are to be believed, then Rui Hachimura could continue to play for the Lakers amid a wild series of trade reports circulating through the rumor mill. What do you think will happen? Write your thoughts below.