Los Angeles Dodgers created an even bigger splash in sports world on the same day as the Los Angeles Lakers won home the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Championship. Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese superstar, announced a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Given their shared history as two of Los Angeles’s most storied franchises and the size and devotion of their respective fan bases, the Dodgers and Lakers have long been considered inseparable. Now there’s a second connection; Rui Hachimura, a Japanese player, re-signed with the Lakers in the summer.
Now that Ohtani is a part of the Boys in Blue, it’s different, even if he was here before with the Los Angeles Angels. Hachimura recently revealed his excitement in an interview, and the Lakers forward expressed his hope that he can connect with his fellow countryman if given the chance (via Shoheisaveus on X:
Rui Hachimura on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ acquisition of Shohei Ohtani
“As a Japanese player, I’m also really happy to be playing basketball and baseball in Los Angeles, a major sport where we can both compete at a high level. I’d love to catch up with you when we have the chance.” Image: pic.twitter.com/Svie5iSQju/
Instagram post by Ohtani Shohei (@shoheisaveus) dated December 10, 2023.
Adding Ohtani—possibly baseball’s greatest player and a two-time AL MVP—certainly boosts the Dodgers’ prospects of raising another World Series trophy, so it’s no surprise they’re ecstatic. Plus, Hachimura, who loves baseball, will have even more chances to watch another Japanese star make it big in the sports world in Los Angeles.
As a kid, Hachimura loved baseball and really began his athletic career on the diamond. He didn’t take up basketball seriously until he was 13 years old, when he started to tower over his peers.
A Japanese player could be the key to the Lakers’ and Dodgers’ championship dreams. Having a prominent athlete to relate to on such a personal level is rare for international athletes, therefore it would be great if Ohtani and Hachimura could become friends and support one other.
Dec. 18: Lakers will unveil banner for in-season tournament
As the Dodgers rejoiced over Ohtani’s signing, Hachimura and the Lakers were rejoicing over winning the in-season tournament title with a victory over the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers’ decision to hoist a banner in recognition was, however, up for debate.
It was uncertain if an in-season tournament would be valid, as the Lakers only hoist NBA championship banners, not division or conference ones. However, in this particular case, the franchise has decided to raise one.
On December 18th, during the Lakers’ home game against the New York Knicks, the team will lift a banner in honor of the victory, although it will be unique from the usual NBA championship banners used by the club.