LeBron James targets Rui Hachimura as his summer fix project

Jackson Hayes had to slam on the brakes.

The Lakers’ new center was speaking to the media after the team’s third training camp practice when he saw LeBron James catch a lob and throw down a ferocious dunk.

“Oh my God, did you just see that?” I asked.

The dunk was flashy; the work after practice, including Rui Hachimura next to James, was not. The two were on the court for much of the offseason, with James taking an active role in trying to unlock Hachimura’s potential.

On Thursday, James said no other player could be as supportive of him this summer as Hachimura.

“Only Ray,” he said.

The Lakers are counting on Hachimura to take a leap forward in his first full season with the team, with his undeniable physical skills paired with James’ guidance setting the stage for a potential breakout season.

“I just want to attack the basket more,” Hachimura said. “I know I have the mid-range, but I’m working on being more aggressive around the basket. I’m working out a lot off the court and lifting weights and lifting weights. My body is getting stronger. I’ve got More footwork. “I’m just trying to get easier points. “

In addition to working with James, Hachimura and assistant coach Phil Handy are focused on improving the 25-year-old’s footwork.

“If my footwork is good, I can get anywhere,” Hachimura said. “I’ve got a midrange already. I’ve got the body and the frame. I just have to get my footwork right. That’s what we’re doing. “It’s good. “

Hachimura is one of the players being considered for the Lakers’ fifth starting spot, following James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reeves and D’Angelo Russell. On Thursday, coach Davon Hamm said he had decided who the starters would be, but he would not reveal them. Hamm laughed when asked what qualities he was looking for in a player.

“If I tell you, you’ll know exactly who I’m starting with,” he said.

The first five games of the Lakers’ preseason opener on Saturday aren’t exactly a perfect sign — James said he won’t play against the Warriors in San Francisco.

“Six preseason games, so hopefully I can play in at least half of them. But we’ll see,” James said. “I think every game will determine that. I won’t play in Saturday’s game in the Bay Area, that’s for sure. But we’ll see after that.”

With James sidelined, the start of the 2023 season will provide Hachimura with a great opportunity to show how he has changed his game this summer, changes that largely stem from his comfort level with the Lakers .

Hachimura was always smiling and flashing the “LA” logo on his hands during the team’s media day on Monday.Team’s social media accounts caught him Repeat a dozen times.

His newfound comfort has helped him embrace the big stage and big goals for the Lakers this season.

“I love that. I love those big stages, those big games,” Hachimura said.

“Honestly, when I was with the Wizards, we didn’t really have a championship goal like this. Of course, with this team, we have championships, bigger goals. The motivation is different. I have more motivation. Every Every day is different; it’s a long season, so I have to be ready mentally, physically.”

Judging from James’ speech, Hachimura must have said so.