Lakers News: Rui Hachimura Reveals Secret to Hot Shooting in 2023 Postseason

Sometimes all you need to do is stay ready!

One of the biggest parts of the Lakers free agency plan was making sure they retained the services of forward Rui Hachimura. The team acquired Hachimura from the Washington Wizards prior to the trade deadline for guard Kendrick Nunn and three second round picks. After spending a few months with him, they decided he was too valuable to let go.

Hachimura was great for the Lakers, especially in the postseason. He really stepped up his game to the tune of 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds but it was his shooting that helped set things apart. His three-point average jumped up to 48.7 percent and he became almost like a snipper from deep. 

Hachimura spoke about his success during the postseason with LA and credited one man for it, Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy.

Rui: “I want to give Phil credit for my jump shot.”#LakeShow

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— Washed LakersvsHaters 🅿️ (@notlakersgm) July 7, 2023

Upon his arrival to the Lakers, Hachimura worked closely with Handy to help improve his game. Handy is known as one of the better developmental coaches across the NBA so it only made sense for him to work with the young forward. 

Handy helped give Hachimura confidence, which is a huge part of the game for any athlete. It helped transform him into a major weapon for the Lakers and earned him a new three-year contract as well. 

As the new season gets going in a few months, Hachimura will again be a major piece to the Lakers puzzle. His size, the ability to shoot and defend all gives him advantages to be in the starting lineup.

He can pair well with Anthony Davis if the Lakers want to go smaller lineups. He gives this team a ton of options to use him, with multiple kinds of lineups. The Lakers love the game of Hachimura and it'll be interesting to see his growth as the years go on.

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