While Hachimura signed for 51M & will be a starter, the player that will be his 'rival' in the Lakers

The offseason for the Lakers started when they got swept against the now NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, but one of the standouts in the postseason run of the last campaign was the Japanese wing Rui Hachimura.

Because of his performances in the playoffs, the Lakers had him as one of the top priorities this offseason and re-signed him with a 3-year 51 million contract. But Hachimura is determined to become one of the best players on the team.

Even when coach Ham has stated that Rui will be the starter over Jarred Vanderbilt, Hachimura has been putting up the work with assistant coach Phil Handy. Hachimura even skipped playing at the FIBA World Cup, representing Japan to be ready for the next season with the purple and gold.

Because of that, the rival that will be battling his starting role inside the Lakers is Jarred Vanderbilt, who has now flown to Japan to put up the work with Phil Handy. Both Forwards are looking to have a ferocious battle for playing minutes in coach Ham's rotation and the starting role alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

What Rui and Vanderbilt need to improve to help the Lakers contend for the title

Both players have been of great value to coach Ham and the team but have some weaknesses that need work. That's what Phil Handy has been doing with both. Jarred Vanderbilt is a great defender, but his 3s from the corner and attacking closeouts off the dribble with finishes at the basket thru contract need to be better. Rui 3s from the top of the circle and attacking closeouts, outs, and entry passes need to improve.