Rui Hachimura was one of the targets of fan discontent following the LA Lakers’ second loss in their series against the Denver Nuggets. While LeBron James felt it was the official’s decision-making that cost the game, Hachimura’s lackluster performance caught the eyes of former NFL star Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe is widely known for candidly making bold statements but his criticism of the Japanese forward made the headlines.
During a recent episode of “First Take,” Sharpe said, “Rui, I don’t know, maybe he talking to Michael Porter Jr. brother. because I think he took the under on the 10 points the bettors had him. I’m saying that tongue in cheek. But I’m saying, bro, how you miss that many easy layups? How you have three points?”
Rui Hachimura dropped a disastrous performance by scoring three points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 38 minutes of the game. Taking a dig at the 26-year-old for his offensive contribution, Sharpe jokingly speculated that he might be on terms with MPJ’s brother Jontay Porter, who got a lifetime ban for participating in sports gambling.
“Rui [Hachimura], I don’t know, maybe he talked to Michael Porter Jr.’s brother [Jontay Porter], because I think he took the under on the 10 points the bettors had him.”
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) April 23, 2024
Shannon Sharpe criticizes Lakers’ Rui Hachimura for his performance in Game 2.
[via. @FirstTake @ESPNNBA] pic.twitter.com/PJePt51MaF
The NFL star made the comment in disbelief observing Hachimura’s lack of effort in both the crucial games. Sharpe sarcastically stated that the Lakers forward has betted under 10 points on his prop which is the reason he isn’t pushing himself on court. Though Hachimura is struggling so far in the play-offs, he showed glimpses of his abilities in the regular season.
Rui Hachimura’s performance this season
Rui Hachimura began his journey with the Lakers last year in late January. After showing his worth in the 2023 playoffs carrying the responsibilities of both defense and offense, the Lakers resigned him. Hachimura scored his career-high 36 points against the Jazz in February and gave a stunning performance against the Grizzlies the following month.
Playing for 26.9 minutes per game, he averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting at 53.7% from the floor and 42.2% from the 3-point range.
Rui has often stepped up for his team when he was needed but when the Lakers are struggling in the vital series, the forward is yet to contribute. However, he still has an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong by coming back strong in Game 3 on Thursday.
