The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Rui Hachimura in a trade and it has been working wonders for them. Since his arrival in LA, the Lakers have gone 5-6. These are disappointing numbers considering the franchise’s standards but it looks like they are a stronger side with the arrival of D’Angelo Russell as well.
When Rui joined the Lakers from the Washington Wizards, not many were familiar with who he was. He is still a young player and has not won many accolades to be recognized across the whole league. This included NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as well, who shocked the world with his cold comments when talking about Hachimura.
What did Shaquille O’Neal say about Rui Hachimura?
On the Big Podcast with Shaq, the 4x NBA champ said, “I ain’t never heard of him…If it ain’t no piece that gon’ win a championship, I don’t want to see it. I don’t even know who that is. It should have said, Bradley Beal. If you want to impress me. Come on, Rob[Pelinka]. That’s all I gotta say. I don’t even know who the f*** that is.”
Since then, Rui has put up decent numbers for the Lakers. He has proven as a starter and now features regularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It looks like O’Neal realized his mistake to bash Hachimura at the start and now has apologized for his comments as well. He said, “Let me apologize to Rudy Hachimura. I didn’t know who he was because I never watch the Bullets play, but he’s a fine role player… I now know who you are.”
“Let me apologize to Rudy Hachimura. I didn’t know who he was because I never watch the Bullets play, but he’s a fine role player… I now know who you are.”
Shaq on new Lakers forward Rui Hachimura
(via The Big Podcast with Shaq)pic.twitter.com/ajhgVfjYBm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 17, 2023
An interesting point to note about his apology will be that Shaq got Rui’s name wrong. It sounds like he mentioned “Rudy” instead of the young star’s actual name. Kevin Durant was quick to point it out and tweeted in response as well.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2023
Shaq has not responded to KD’s tweet yet but knowing DJ Diesel, he might come back with a strong one too. The two NBA greats went back and forth on Twitter recently and Durant even admitted that he got roasted by the former Lakers legend. As for Hachimura, his aim will be to help the Lakers get back to the top, but the playoffs in the 2022-23 NBA season mainly.