Rui Hachimura has already put Lakers fans in the pocket on and off the court. Successful for a week, the Japanese questioned a lot by his number, 28, chosen on his arrival in California. According to Jeanie Buss, there would be a beautiful tribute behind this flocking.
Arrived last week in Los Angeles against Kendrick Nunn and three second rounds of the Draft, Rui Hachimura made a promising debut under the tunic Purple and Gold. The Lakers seem to have smelled the right shot. But in small questioning around his integration protocol, the Japanese plays with a new jersey number. Hachimura chose 28, a tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, as Lakers owner Jeanie Buss noted. au micro de Stephen A. Smith.
“Our new player, Hachimura… I asked him ‘Have you picked a number yet?’ He replied: ‘Yes, I would wear 28… Number 2 for Gianna and 8 for Kobe’. – Jeannie Buss, Lakers owner
Hachimura wore number 8 at the Wizards, but that number wasn’t available in LA (retired by the Lakers when Kobe retired), so he had to make a choice. The big basketball family has experienced the drama that you all know, and Hachimura decided to make this gesture when he arrived in the California franchise. An anecdotal gesture but one that counts a lot, a few days after the third anniversary of the tragedy.
Arrived with the goal of strengthening a Lakers team that is still looking for consistency, the 24-year-old has assured in his first three games, averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1 assist all. shooting at 46.4% success. Last night, during his team’s victory over the Knicks, Hachimura compiled 19 points at 8/12 shooting and 9 rebounds. His best game in his new team. Historical franchise or not then, the Samurai does not seem to feel the pressure. An excellent omen for the future.
Rui Hachimura on why he chose No. 28 with the Lakers:
“No. 2 for Gianna & No. 8 for Kobe.” pic.twitter.com/NfX2DUCvSo
— FIBA (@FIBA) January 31, 2023
Source texte : Bleacher Report, Basketball ReferenceStephen A. Smith Podcast