Victor Wembanyama has been the talk of the town in the past few weeks because of the 2023 NBA draft. It is no secret that Wembanyama is one of the biggest prospects since LeBron James in 2003. As expected, the San Antonio Spurs drafted the Frenchman as the #1 pick. Immediately after the draft, the 19-year-old star went straight to business and met a few Spurs legends. Furthermore, he also made a major decision that sets his priorities straight and it looks a Los Angeles Lakers star will follow suit.

Wembanyama played for the Metropolitans 92 of the French top tier during the 2022-23 season and dominated. However, the NBA is the most competitive basketball league in the world with major superstars, and the 7’4″ star knows it. So the rookie is ready to make all the sacrifices it takes to succeed in the NBA.

Lakers star set to follow in the footsteps of Victor Wembanyama

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is all set to take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. Meanwhile, the 2023-24 NBA season begins on October 24. Opting to play for the national team could hamper any player’s preparation for the start of the league season. Plus, there’s always a risk of injury.

So Victor Wembanyama recently announced that he is opting out of the French national team for the World Cup. He said that it would not be “realistic” in terms of development and not wise in terms of health. The center added it was really frustrating for him as well, but hoped the fans would understand his decision. He noted that the France national team and winning titles for his nation are “central” for him. However, he believes that this was a “necessary sacrifice.”

Now, it looks like Lakers star Rui Hachimura will also opt out of his national team’s squad as he has reportedly decided to not play in the World Cup as well. This will be a tremendous blow to Japan’s national basketball team.

READ MORE – Victor Wembanyama and His Fellow 2023 NBA Draft Starlets Issue a Stern Warning to 38YO LeBron James

Notably, it was recently reported that fellow Lakers star Austin Reaves will play for Team USA in the upcoming tournament.

Fans happy about Hachimura’s decision

As soon as the news about Rui Hachimura’s alleged decision to not play in the World Cup was shared on Twitter, fans gave their take. Here are some reactions:

A fan writes, “Damn born didn’t give him permission”

While another one talks about how he should be paid first.

https://twitter.com/postwarballers/status/1673506162044706817?s=20

Many Lakers fans were happy about Hachimura’s decision to focus on the upcoming season. However, it is unclear whether he will play for the team next season. Interestingly, Hachimura is on the Houston Rockets’ rather long “free agent list”.

WATCH THIS STORY – Stepping In to ?Take The Biggest Hit? With LeBron James And Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade Recounts 13YO ?Sacrifice?

What do you think about Rui Hachimura’s decision? Let us know in the comments.