This offseason, your Lakers have a lot of uncertainties, not the least of which is what Rob Pelinka and company will do with the team’s influx of free agents. Rui Hachimura is one of the more intriguing names on the list.
An NBA insider provides an update on the Lakers’ decision to re-sign Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura was instrumental in the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals, but will he be able to stay?
The forward just ended his fourth season in the NBA in remarkable manner, having been a vital component for the Lakers during their playoff run to the Western Conference Finals, a result that many felt was unachievable when Hachimura was acquired before of the trade deadline this season.
Throughout his postseason career, he averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while displaying his defensive versatility, notably in the Nuggets series.
This summer, the Japanese native will be a restricted free agent, and teams like the Thunder, Pacers, and Hornets might conceivably offer more money than the Lakers to lure the big man.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Hachimura’s chances of staying in purple and gold beyond the summer are “dicey.”
“I heard he turned down a contract extension offer from Washington that was in the $14-15 million range (annually…),” Scotto remarked on his podcast.
“He came through big in the playoffs.” If Austin [Reaves] was their third-best player most nights, Rui would be their fourth-best player most nights, in my opinion.
“I believe his annual market is in the $15-18 million range.” The Lakers would keep him in that price bracket. I think where it gets a little dicey is if a team sells themselves on Rui and offers three years for $60 million or four years for $80 million.”
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes the Lakers will eventually bring him back on a three-year, $33 million deal.
During his leaving interviews, Hachimura stated unequivocally that his time in Los Angeles was a fantastic experience.
“It was one of the best times of my life,” he reflected. “I was in a different team on the east coast three, four months ago, and now I’m here in LA, one of the biggest teams in the NBA, and making this crazy run.”
Hachimura’s inconsistency in the NBA, which includes losing his starting place with the Washington Wizards, could end up being a surprising benefit for Los Angeles.
If clubs across the league are hesitant to give him a substantial offer sheet as a result, the Lakers will be able to preserve money on Hachimura and spend it on other players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell if necessary.
It’ll be intriguing to see what strategy other front offices take around the league, so Hachimura’s summer will likely be something to watch.
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