The path this season for Rui Hachimura hasn't exactly been super duper smooth. There have been injuries, inconsistent performance, and extremely inconsistent stretches of playing time. 

His path to the starting lineup at the beginning of last month was somewhat accidental. 

But since he got there? Man alive, has he played well, and the Lakers have thrived. To the point that in March, he was the most efficient player in the NBA. His attention to detail defensively, Darvin Ham says, has increased. He's rebounding the ball with increased vigor, something the Lakers really, really, REALLY needed him to do. Darvin Ham says he's finally gightened up on the details enough to merit this type of role. OThers might argue he could have been doing it a lot longer if given a chance. 

It's an interesting part of the broader saga for the Lakers this season, one where moves that could be at least somewhat justifiable in the moment (benching Austin Reaves, benching D'Angelo Russell) become less comprehensible when taken as a whole, in part because it seems like the team didn't really understand the how and why. 

Now, though, people feel like they're on the same page. Whether it comes too late to save the season, or give it the space to breathe it might have otherwise had, remains to be seen. And the Lakers got a little help on Thursday, as Sacramento lost in New York and are now only a game ahead of LA in the loss column. 

Meanwhile, James Worthy and Magic Johnson both put out on social media Thursday that Michael Cooper is headed to the Hall of Fame. For Lakers fans, it's a big "Finally!" But it's fair to say not everyone will agree that Coop is HOF worthy. We discuss. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Rui Hachimura is thriving. Why didn't this come earlier in the year? 

SEGMENT 2: Darvin has an explanation as to why it took a minute. You buying? 

SEGMENT 3: Coop to the Hall of Fame! 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon Fire TVFire TV recently created Fire TV Channels to deliver a constant supply of the latest videos from your favorite sports brands, all for free. That includes all of us at Locked On and most of the big pro leagues and college conferences as well. To Learn More, visit www.amazon.com/LockedOnFireTV

NissanOur friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com.

eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

PrizePicksGo to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!

GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuelNew customers, join today and you’ll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)