Japanese-American basketball player Rui Hachimura shares the same position as the legendary Lakers star LeBron James, and it’s no surprise that he aspires to eventually replace James as the starting small forward. Recent reports indicate that Hachimura is training alongside James as the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season. This presents a rare opportunity for Hachimura to learn from one of the greatest players in NBA history, and he is eagerly absorbing as much information as possible.

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According to ESPN, Hachimura even rearranged his job schedule to visit James at the Lakers’ practice facilities in El Segundo. In the previous season, the Lakers reached the Western Conference finals but were ultimately defeated by the Denver Nuggets. Hachimura played in 33 games and averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin described Hachimura as someone who has already been influenced by LeBron’s presence, noting that he has adjusted his practice schedule leading up to the season to join James for 7 a.m. workouts at the gym.

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The Lakers’ success in the upcoming season will depend on the performance of their established All-Stars and the development of young talents like Rui Hachimura. Additionally, Austin Reaves’s experience at the FIBA World Cup is expected to contribute positively. These rising players need to continue improving for the Lakers’ bench to provide valuable depth and support for the team’s star players. While reaching the Western Conference finals last year was a significant achievement, the competition this season promises to be even more intense. Teams like the Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, Suns, and Mavericks will undoubtedly pose formidable challenges. The anticipation for the new NBA season is high, and fans eagerly await its commencement.