LOS ANGELES — Forward Rui Hachimura acknowledged he momentarily forgot Anthony Davis now plays for the Washington Wizards while the Los Angeles Lakers cruised past Washington on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
“During a timeout I looked at their bench and saw AD,” Hachimura told reporters. “I was shocked. I totally forgot he’d been traded.”
Davis, moved from the Dallas Mavericks to the Wizards at this season’s trade deadline, has yet to make his debut for Washington. The 11-time All-Star still drew attention in his return to Los Angeles, even attempting to join the Lakers’ customary pregame football-style huddle before Jaxson Hayes jokingly waved him off.
The game itself offered little drama. LeBron James registered a triple-double, and three teammates scored 19 points each as the Lakers posted an easy win. The Wizards were without guard Luka Doncic, who served a suspension.
Despite being dealt in consecutive seasons, Davis maintains close ties with several Lakers players. He spent time greeting former teammates during stoppages and after the final horn, underscoring the mutual respect that remains from his tenure in purple and gold.
Hachimura, drafted by Washington in 2019 and traded to Los Angeles in 2023, said he shared some quick advice with Davis about life in the nation’s capital. “I was there three years, so I know the people,” he said. “It’s a good situation for him. I hope the best for him.”
Source: Lakers Nation
