LeBron James and Anthony Davis aren’t the only members of the Los Angeles Lakers who are playing well right now as the 2024 Summer Olympics get into full swing in Paris.
Forward Rui Hachimura has had some big games for his native Japan. He did well in the team’s exhibition games just days ago, and he had 20 points and 10 rebounds in his nation’s first game of group play on Saturday.
After losing that game to Germany, Japan took the court against France, one of the better teams in the Olympics and a squad that boasts NBA stars Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. Hachimura was red-hot, scoring 24 points and going 10-of-16 from the field in just 22 minutes in a close game.
Omg.
Rui Hachimura sizing up Wemby and draining this Off the Dribble Middy in his face…
Jerami Grant is not a full 2029 1st and $100+m better than this guy. pic.twitter.com/DST7a2BKau
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) July 30, 2024
Rui Hachimura nails the baseline jumper pic.twitter.com/pyhcvp1n8o
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 30, 2024
Japan moving the ball well in transition leading to a Rui Hachimura swish from the corner! pic.twitter.com/WpgVuzPbFl
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 30, 2024
Really nice baseline spin move from Rui Hachimura for two pic.twitter.com/EXnY0STPob
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 30, 2024
Rui Hachimura makes a strong drive through the contact for two pic.twitter.com/iuC2CG20jL
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 30, 2024
Rui Hachimura hits a HUGE three to cut it to 5! pic.twitter.com/PYyVeMvHb0
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 30, 2024
However, late in the game, the forward grabbed Gobert’s arm as Gorbert attempted a layup and was assessed a foul. It was his second unsportsmanlike foul of the game, and thus he was ejected, to the consternation of many.
Rui Hachimura had 24 points for Japan and was helping keep them in it against France before he got ejected for this foul on Rudy Gobert. pic.twitter.com/onIqh0g6xl
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 30, 2024
While it looked like a normal foul, not to mention a good foul, as Gobert is a mediocre free throw shooter, the officials working the game obviously felt otherwise.
France ended up forcing overtime on a miracle 3-pointer and four-point play by guard Matthew Strazel, and it ultimately prevailed 94-90. Wembanyama shined brightly with 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
