The curious case of Rui Hachimura

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After a flurry of big trades and signings, the NBA offseason has once again shifted its focus on the future of LeBron James. The annual tradition continued once James exercised his player option to return to the Lakers, and then was ignited by some strategically cryptic quotes from his agent, Rich Paul.

With no extension or reconfigured deal, James is set to potentially play his final season in Los Angeles. Whether that is his decision or the team’s, it is clear the Lakers are preparing for a post-James

world.

The hoopla surrounding the situation, combined with further evidence of the Lakers’ long-term goals, has overshadowed the contractual status of the team’s other starting forward, Rui Hachimura.

As of the publication of this article, there has not been the slightest of peeps concerning a contract extension nor buzz on any commitment from both sides going forward. Hachimura, like James, is set to enter this upcoming season as a walking expiring contract.

This is not an anomaly around the league, to be clear. However, the lack of noise feels like it deserves more attention than it is receiving.

From the Lakers’ perspective, playing out the year with Hachimura without any written long-term commitment in place provides them with the financial flexibility they covet. The front office reportedly has its sights on cap space in 2027, where they hope to find a potential running mate for the franchise’s new cornerstone, Luka Dončić.

This goal for clean books has already played a large role in the team’s willingness to allow Dorian Finney-Smith to walk this summer. It was also a move that could be a potential precursor to how they may handle Hachimura as well.

If the Lakers come to terms on new deals with Dončić and Austin Reaves, the roster could have only five players on it by 2027. That could realistically drop even lower if they decline their club options on any of Dalton Knecht, Bronny James or Adou Thiero.

Because of this, it seems increasingly likely the Lakers will part ways with Hachimura by next summer or sooner.

There should be internal discussions already taking place on whether they should attempt to trade him rather than losing him for nothing if that is the case. However, doing so may prove difficult.

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For one, Hachimura is a useful and good basketball player. The Lakers are not in a position where they can afford to lose his talent for anything less than equal or better value in return. This is why trading Hachimura for only draft capital is unlikely, given Dončić and James’ presence on the roster.

There also lies the challenge of not taking back any long-term money in a hypothetical deal. Unless the Lakers can find a team that is high enough on Hachimura to trade for him with the intent of paying him going forward, many teams may only value his expiring money. In that event, an opposing front office would likely look to merely swap undesired salary versus team-friendly contracts.

A trade may also prove unlikely simply given the Lakers’ recent poor asset management history. There have been several instances over the past few seasons where the team could have attempted to cash in on a player not in their long-term picture, only to see them walk through the door for nothing in return.

The lack of buzz around Hachimura’s future may also be a result of the front office waiting to evaluate who is and isn’t an actual fit around Dončić.

Due to the timing of Dončić’s arrival in the season, the sample size could be deemed small enough for the team to weigh their options before making changes.

Hachimura did show signs of having positive chemistry with Dončić. In their 721 possessions on the floor together, the Lakers had an impressive +13.4 point differential and scorching offensive rating of 124.7.

Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

The combination of Hachimura’s 41.8% catch-and-shoot numbers on his 3-point attempts and timely baseline cutting (1.6 points per cut) made him one of Dončić’s favorite targets in the half court. And Hachimura benefited as a result. According to PBP stats, Hachimura posted a true-shooting percentage of 64.2% when he played next to Dončić compared to 61.2% without.

If he could have another strong season, Hachimura may be seen internally as a future James replacement.

As things currently stand, the core of Dončić, James, Reaves and Hachimura is very forward-heavy, especially when it comes to their defensive strengths. That could be alleviated if James does end up going elsewhere or eventually retires. And while not as talented, Hachimura has already slotted into the James role in the games where James has missed and could be viewed as a younger and more affordable proxy.

Barring a trade, Hachimura ultimately must make more strides if he wants to secure a spot in the Lakers’ plans. He has already made considerable changes to his shot diet and has quietly become one of the most efficient players in the league at his position.

Yet he still has plenty of room to grow on defense and specifically as a rebounder (28th percentile in defREB% among forwards last season). These are two areas that will be critical supplemental skills next to a Dončić/Reaves-led team.

Hachimura also simply has to become more consistent. On the nights when he is not actively involved within the team’s offense, he has shown a tendency to float or struggle to impact the game in other ways.

The Lakers would be wise to at least gauge all their options before making up their mind on Hachimura or any player.

Their 2027 plan sounds nice in the event they can land the caliber of player(s) worth the wait. However, they also can not afford to allow talent to leave without some form of compensation until then.

Although all eyes are on James this upcoming season, it is Hachimura’s fate that could be the telltale sign of where things are heading for the Lakers and what year the Lakers are looking toward.

All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social.

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