The Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura might continue their partnership for the fifth consecutive year if the Purple and Gold play their cards right. The latest report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin suggests that Los Angeles might be trying to maneuver a way to re-sign Hachimura.
Currently, the Lakers have exhausted their cap space after signing four players in 35 minutes on Wednesday. They only have veteran minimum contracts to offer and Hachimura is unlikely to sign such a deal. He can still get a better offer elsewhere than the minimum, but other suitors aren’t moving in on him due to one factor, according to McMenamin.
“That Hachimura remains unsigned caused several league sources to wonder whether the Lakers are planning some sort of trade or using the stretch provision on perhaps Jarred Vanderbilt or Deandre Ayton to be able to offer Hachimura more,” the ESPN insider wrote.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton are believed to be earning a combined $20.5 million next season. If they can move both or get at least one of their contracts off the books, re-signing Rui Hachimura can get much easier.
It would make sense, too. Hachimura was consistent in the regular season, averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, shooting 44.3% from three-point range. In the playoffs, he again found a new gear, averaging 17.5 ppg and 4.0 rpg, shooting 56.9% from the three-point line.
With LeBron James gone, Hachimura can slot in as the starting power forward and guard players in the frontcourt, which wasn’t possible with Luka Doncic and James on the floor. Hachimura often played out of position defensively, which made him seem a net negative player on that end of the floor.
With Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili on rebounding duty, the Lakers can mask another one of Hachimura’s weaknesses better this season. 6-foot-8 threats from deep like Hachimura are a hot commodity around the league, and it would be a massive win for Los Angeles if it can retain his services.
The Lakers are also shorthanded in the frontcourt, especially at the four, after LeBron James’ departure, so Rui Hachimura can slot right back into his role as a starter if he returns.
Pistons signing John Collins and Spurs acquiring Tobias Harris gives Lakers a major Rui Hachimura boost
The Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs were among the most favored suitors for Rui Hachimura. However, both teams have acquired frontcourt help with the Pistons signing John Collins and the Spurs securing Tobias Harris.
It could make the Lakers’ lives easier to sign Rui Hachimura, even if it comes at a discounted price. Hachimura earned $18.3 million last year. If other teams can’t come close or don’t have the $15 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception available, returning to Los Angeles remains the most ideal choice for Hachimura.
He would play in familiar surroundings and have a significant role. The Lakers might still be the only team that can offer Hachimura a starting role. The Minnesota Timberwolves are another, but no reports have linked the Japanese forward to the franchise yet.
Read more:
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- Brian Windhorst Rejects Narrative That LeBron James Left Lakers on His Terms, Citing Austin Reaves’ Pitch With Custom Pillows
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