After a rollercoaster 2022-23 NBA season that concluded with a Western Conference Finals berth, the Los Angeles Lakers' assistant coach, Phil Handy, expressed his ardent desire to retain Japanese forward Rui Hachimura, whose arrival significantly boosted the team's performance.
On Monday, June 19, during his inaugural press conference in the Philippines, Handy engaged in a candid conversation with local media. This marked Handy's first visit to the Southeast Asian nation, where he plans to conduct basketball clinics and participate in charity events until June 30, 2023.
During the interaction, International Business Times posed a question to Handy about his experience working with Hachimura and the impact the player had on the team. The assistant coach's enthusiasm about the half-season partnership was quite evident.
"Rui Hachimura is an exceptional talent. I've been observing him since his tenure at Gonzaga and always admired his style of play. It was almost surreal when we managed to trade for him. From his very first day with the Lakers, Rui was determined to learn, adapt and seize every opportunity to play," Handy remarked.
The Lakers managed to secure Hachimura from the Washington Wizards by offering Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks, a deal that many fans initially considered an undervaluation.
Known among basketball enthusiasts as one of the most promising forwards in the game, Hachimura's growth into a primary player was hindered by the Wizards' crowded roster. With the arrival of Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, and Kristaps Porzingis, opportunities dwindled.
Hachimura's transition to the Lakers proved beneficial, allowing the team to share the offensive load and give respite to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Despite initial skepticism, Hachimura's impressive performance in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he delivered 21 points and six rebounds, quelled all doubts.
The challenge now for the Lakers is Hachimura's restricted free agent status. Other teams could potentially outbid the Lakers with inflated offers, leaving them in a bind to match the offer and risking their capacity to assemble a championship-worthy team.
Despite the uncertainties, Handy remains optimistic about retaining Hachimura.
"He was top-notch from the get-go. It's a delight being around him. He's not only a proficient young basketball player, but he's also a wonderful individual. I'm eager to, hopefully, continue fostering a relationship with him and sincerely hope to see him back in a Lakers uniform," Handy shared.
