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Rui Hachimura: LA Lakers 'in advanced talks on trade for Wizards forward'
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in advanced talks to add Wizards forward Rui Hachimura to their roster.
ESPN's Adrain Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers front office are accelerating a trade for the Wizards star, with Shams Charania of the Athletic adding that Lakers guard Kendrick Nunn, along with multiple second round picks, are expected to head in the other direction.
The move is a clever buy-low move from the Lakers, who have been eager to surround star man LeBron James with more talent as they sit 12th in the Western Conference standings.
LA Lakers are 'in advanced talks' to trade for Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura
It would represent a clever buy-low move that would give LeBron James (right) more help
Wojnarowski added that the 'advanced talks' are now hinging on the included second round picks.
He has reported that a 2023 pick via Chicago and the Lakers' own pick in 2029 are being considered.
Hachimura failed to agree his rookie extension with the Wizards prior to the season and his role has diminished as a result.
Wizards head coach Wes Unseld revealed Monday that Hachimura missed practice for 'personal reasons' - with a Lakers trade believed to be imminent.
It has been reported that the Lakers package is two second round picks plus Kendrick Nunn
The Japanese forward was open about the prospect of being traded Saturday when quizzed on what the future holds.
'I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player, and I want to be somewhere that likes my game,' he told reporters.
Asked if Washington is still the place where he can thrive, he added: 'I don't know. We've got to find out.'
With the February 9 trade deadline fast approaching, it is little surprise to see reports that the Lakers are making strides to landing Hachimura, as they prepare for a five-game road-trip, starting Saturday in Boston.
Hachimura failed to agree a rookie extension before the season began and is now a trade asset
Hachimura, who scored 30 points against Orlando Magic this weekend, equaling his career-best score, added: 'I just got to play my game. I know what I can do, and I can help the team to win. It's either here or other team. I can help teams.'
Hachimura is a fourth-year player in the league since he was drafted out of Gonzaga to Washington as the ninth overall pick in 2019.
Since failing to agree his rookie extension Hachimura has not started a game this season. For context, he started 105 games across his first two years in the NBA.
Hachimura will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, allowing the Lakers to match any offer sheet put to the forward.