Los Angeles Lakers' Rui Hachimura to Debut Wednesday Against San Antonio Spurs

The Los Angeles Lakers will see their prized trade acquisition in action later tonight. Coach Darvin Ham declared Rui Hachimura will be available to play for Wednesday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham said Rui Hachimura will "definitely be available to play" in tomorrow's game against San Antonio
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 25, 2023

The Lakers acquired Hachimura earlier this week via trade with the Washington Wizards. The former ninth overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has averaged 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over 30 appearances this season.

Hachimura has seen his role on the Wizards shrink over the past two years. He started 103 games over his first two seasons with the team before being relegated to a rotational role in the 2021-22 season. He has started only 13 games since. A change of scenery will likely serve him well.

Hachimura isn't likely to radically move the needle for the Lakers, but he's a young player who can come off the bench and play productive minutes. At only 24 years old, he still has a chance to grow into a meaningful contributor with more reps.