Rui Hachimura Left Stunned After Spotting Anthony Davis on the Wrong Bench

Rui Hachimura shares his reaction after unexpectedly spotting Anthony Davis post-trade to the Wizards, reflecting on their past and current injury concerns

Surbhi Khera
March 31, 2026
4 min read

Rui Hachimura Left Stunned After Spotting Anthony Davis on the Wrong Bench — Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In a league where trades redraw maps overnight, it is normal at this point for players, too, to lag sometimes. That was the case when NBA star Rui Hachimura unexpectedly spotted Anthony Davis on the sidelines after his move to the Washington Wizards. For a second, it felt less like a game and more like a ‘wait… what?’ moment.

The Japanese forward later admitted the trade had completely slipped his mind during the game. Seeing his former teammate sitting there felt slightly unreal, like running into a long-lost BFFs outside school, and not knowing how to act.

Beyond the surprise, the moment carried a quiet emotional pull. The two had shared seasons together with an immense fan following, boasting a kind of familiarity that does not just vanish because of a transfer announcement.

Still, the context was not entirely lighthearted. The former Lakers big man is currently dealing with an injury, which explains his place off the court. What followed was a short, grounded exchange between two players, part reunion, part reality check.

1. Teammates might change, habits don’t for Rui Hachimura

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During post-game interactions, the 26-year-old forward Rui Hachimura walked through the priceless moment as it happened. He said he was ‘looking at the bench’ when he suddenly saw Anthony Davis sitting there, adding that he was genuinely caught off guard. He admitted he had ‘totally forgotten about it,’ letting out the kind of honesty that probably made the room smile. The realization hit quickly, and he decided to walk over. He further mentioned that he went to say hi to Davis, keeping it simple, as if it were the most natural thing to do, despite the odd setting. Years of playing together tend to erase any awkwardness. Speaking about the interaction, he shared that Davis already understood the situation around him. ‘He knew,’ the Japanese forward said, noting that the injured star carried himself calmly. Far away from a dramatic reunion, for Hachimura it was more like picking up a conversation mid-sentence. There was also a light edge to the whole thing. Forgetting a blockbuster trade is not exactly common, but his reaction made it feel human. In a league that moves at full speed, even the players sometimes need a moment to catch up with their own storyline.

2. Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis’ camaraderie, records, and brotherhood over the years

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Before trades and sideline reunions, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis had built a strong on-court partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers. The two became key pieces in the frontcourt, combining size, skill, and rhythm that often set the tone for the team. Their connection was not just visible in plays but in how naturally they complemented each other. One of their standout moments came on the night of February 14, 2024. Both the star players scored over 35 points, becoming the first Lakers duo to achieve that since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2003. The performance powered a 138–122 win over the Utah Jazz and quietly wrote their names into franchise history. Their style of play often clicked in bursts that changed games quickly. During one stretch against the Jazz, the pair led a 30–10 run, mixing inside scoring with mid-range jumpers. It was the kind of sequence where defenses looked slightly confused, like they had walked into the wrong exam hall. Coaches and teammates also pointed to the influence the veteran big man had on his teammates’ approach. Davis frequently pushed Hachimura to play with more aggression, a ‘wild man’ edge that brought out his best performances. Over time, the Japanese forward settled into an ‘X factor’ role, delivering efficient scoring and steady defense alongside him.

3. Anthony Davis injury update and current team landscape

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As of March 31, 2026, the focus has shifted from moments of surprise to the current status of Anthony Davis. The veteran big man is currently with the Washington Wizards but remains sidelined due to a lingering hand injury. Reports indicate that the volar plate tissue in his left hand has not fully healed, extending his time away from the court. The 31-year-old has not played since January 8, 2026. His absence has left a noticeable gap, especially considering his expected impact following the trade. For now, his role remains limited to watching from the bench and continuing recovery. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura and the Los Angeles Lakers continue to adjust and perform. In the recent 120–101 win over Washington, the forward contributed 14 points and 6 rebounds, playing his part in a comfortable result. The team has managed to stay competitive despite major roster changes. The current Lakers setup is now led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, forming a new core after the trades over the past year. While the lineup looks different, the team’s rhythm has held steady. Across the court, the Wizards continue to wait for their newest addition to fully return to action.