Rui Hachimura, a professional basketball player from Japan, was once asked about the player that he would like to dunk on in the NBA, and he instantly named LeBron James. He further described that since LeBron is on the top, he would try to dunk on King James. It is quite understandable since every talent competes for the number 1 spot. But dunking on the players like LBJ is not that easy. He is right, one of the top talents in the NBA, and not many people are close to his skills. Rui did prove himself to be a versatile player and has been too good at guarding wings.
Rui Hachimura playing for LA Lakers
In the 2022-23 season, Rui got a chance to play for one of the most famous teams in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers. He seemed quite excited about joining the Lakers and said:
I will say the Lakers are one of the most famous teams in Japan
This season was not as good for Rui Hachimura as we expected. He just had an average of 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 63 games in 2022-23. There were some moments where Rui did prove his skills, and that created hope among fans for the next three years.
During the 2022-23 Regular Season-
Rui Hachimura led the Lakers in FG% from 16+ ft out to the 3pt land.
58.6% fg
Prime Midrange Territory. pic.twitter.com/4Zpz9fxohZ
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) August 12, 2023
The Lakers re-signed Rui for a three-year contract
The Lakers recently re-signed their power forward Rui Hachimura for a 3-year contract extension. This showed their top priority for the upcoming season. The contract extension was worth $51 million. The 25-year-old Rui averaged 9.6 points on 48.5% shooting and 29.6% from three in 33 games with the Lakers during the regular season. The inclusion of Rui makes the Lakers one of the top contenders for the upcoming season.
Rui’s desire to dunk on LeBron might not be fulfilled
In an interview, Rui did express his desire to dunk on King James, but now, since Rui and LBJ both are teammates, it seems like this dream of Rui will remain unfulfilled. There is a high possibility that King James might retire in the next 3-4 years. LeBron is one of the most elite players in NBA history and is often compared with legends like Kobe and all.
Rui vs LBJ
NBA Championships
Rui Hachimura 0
LeBron James 4
NBA Seasons
Rui Hachimura 4
LeBron James 20
Playoffs Played
Rui Hachimura 2
LeBron James 16
All-Star Games
Rui Hachimura 0
LeBron James 19
