‘I miss him’… Austin Reaves regrets exit of LA Lakers star who tricked him the very first time they met

Austin Reaves paid tribute to former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Rui Hachimura ahead of an upcoming matchup against the LA Clippers. Reaves recalled a humorous memory of being tricked by Hachimura into thinking he did not speak English during their first two weeks together. Hachimura joined the Clippers in the offseason on a two-year, $28 million contract after the Lakers opted not to match that valuation.

The Lakers experienced significant roster changes during the offseason, with LeBron James also departing to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Reaves expressed support for James despite the unusual sight of him in a Sixers uniform, while Reaves himself secured his future in Los Angeles by signing a four-year, $185 million contract extension.