Can Rui Hachimura Be An X-Factor for the Lakers?

     The Lakers have made the first of what some hope to be a few trades before the deadline. The trade today sends Kendrick Nunn and three 2nd round picks to the Washington Wizards and in return receive the 6'8 24 year old forward Rui Hachimura. Despite getting hyperbolic comparisons to Kawhi Leonard in his first few seasons, the hype around Rui has somewhat died out. 

    

The trade begs a question. Can Rui Hachimura be an X factor for the Lakers? Rui averages 13 points and 5 boards on 48/36/78 splits. Obviously the hope is that with LeBron getting Rui more open looks, he can start cashing 3 pointers at a more consistent rate. What about his size? Defense? It seems to be apparent that the Lakers traded for size in this deal. The 4 guard lineups that had been tiresome and hardly varied so far can hopefully be finished by adding Rui's 6'8, 230 lb frame into the lineup. Defense is a weakness for Hachimura, and a need for the Lakers. The newly acquired Laker has a defensive rating of 115.8 this season! Ouch! 

    So, can Rui be an important piece to the Lakers playoff push going forward? If he can become a more consistent shooter, develop some team defense skills, and finish plays for LeBron, he will be a key piece and possible starter. The only fear I have for Rui as a Laker is his possible resemblance to Kyle Kuzma's play style as a Laker, in that he will never live up to the "3rd option" name, as well as being worse defensively. Hopefully a genuine 3rd option like Bojan Bogdanovic will be acquired by the Lakers and allow Rui to settle into a truly impactful role.