Rui Hachimura scored an career-high 36 points and Anthony Davis poured in 37 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 138-122 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
With superstar LeBron James resting an injured ankle, Hachimura and Davis demolished an undersized Utah frontline and helped the Lakers improve to 6-1 over their last seven games before the NBA All-Star break.
Shouldering the type of offensive load expected of him when he plays for the Japanese national team, Hachimura shot 13-of-19 from the field, including a personal-best six three-pointers, while also using his physical strength to get to the basket at will.
Rui Hachimura was one of a few players who helped turn the Los Angeles Lakers around last season after arriving via trade. The Lakers only gave up guard Kendrick Nunn, who is now out of the NBA, and three second-round draft picks to get him, and he gave them a 6-foot-8 forward who has plenty of ability.
Hachimura’s ability to score, especially in one-on-one situations, and defend have helped Los Angeles be a competitive playoff team since he came to town last January. This season, he started to play a larger role and was a big reason why the team eventually found its groove for a while.