Lakers Rumors: Front Office Seeks to Secure Rui Hachimura at Approx. $10 Million Annually During Offseason.
In late January, the Los Angeles Lakers obtained Hachimura to kick off the retooling of their roster, costing them Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks. Initially, he was expected to start alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis; however, due to further trades, Rui Hachimura has only started four times in 23 games. Despite decreased minutes, he experienced a solid stretch of games in the middle of March, scoring in double digits in four consecutive outings on efficient shooting.
Although he hasn’t reached 20 points yet with the los Angeles Lakers, it is difficult with higher usage players such as Davis and D’Angelo Russell. Rui Hachimura has successfully filled a role as a bench player and when Los Angeles Lakers has been shorthanded, and the los Angeles Lakers may attempt to re-sign him this offseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed their desire to retain Hachimura and have made a deal with the intention of signing him to an extension. At this point, their outlook has not changed yet.With the team options of Malik Beasley and the nonguaranteed contracts of Bamba and Davon Reed excluded, the Lakers only have four players on their roster: LeBron, Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Max Christie. They need to decide what to do with their important free agents such as D’Angelo and Austin Reaves, and how much they will be offered. This could determine if there is space for Rui Hachimura’s return.