Lakers News: How Rui Hachimura Trade Improves Roster, What LA Sent Washington

The Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards have made the first notable trade of the 2022-23 NBA season. The Lakers agreed to send Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the Wizards in exchange for Rui Hachimura, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Washington will receive a 2023 second-round pick via the Chicago Bulls, a 2028 second-rounder and the Lakers' 2029 second-rounder, Wojnarowski reports. In Hachimura, Los Angeles received the best player in the trade.

Hachimura was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 draft. While the versatile forward has not evolved into a star, he has provided a big lift to the Wizards as a key reserve. In 30 games off the bench for Washington this season, Hachimura has averaged 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

Hachimura is a 35.6% career 3-point shooter and making just 33.7% of his attempts from behind the arc this season. The 24-year-old, however, could see his shooting percentages improve now that he's playing alongside LeBron James.

Among players with at least 100 catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts since the start of last season, Hachimura ranks seventh at a 41.3% conversion rate, ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry noted. No Lakers player this season is making more than 40% of his catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts.

Darvin Ham's squad has struggled from 3-point range. Los Angeles' 33.7% shooting from beyond the arc ranks 26th among the league's 30 teams.

Nunn converted just 32.5% of his 3-pointers this season. The 27-year-old combo guard has been a disappointment since signing with Los Angeles in August 2021, missing all of last season and averaging just 6.7 points on 40.6% shooting in his comeback campaign. In December, Nunn played less than eight minutes in seven games.

The trade for Hachimura could be the first of more moves by GM Rob Pelinka. The Lakers are only one game behind the Golden State Warriors for the West's final spot in the play-in tournament. The No. 6 seed Los Angeles Clippers are only one game ahead of the Lakers in the loss column.

On Sunday, the Lakers came back from a 25-point halftime deficit to beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 121-112, with James finishing with 37 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

James has energized the Lakers with improved play, averaging 33.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in January.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis could return as early as next week from his right foot injury, according to reports. Before getting hurt, Davis was playing like an MVP candidate.

The Lakers may consider trading their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks for an All-Star caliber player.