The latest NBA free agency rumors suggest that Rui Hachimura could join LeBron James in heading out the door from the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura is an unrestricted free agent. He was predicted to return, especially after his remarkable run in the playoffs, where he averaged 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, shooting 54.9% from the field, including 56.9% from three-point range.
For the past three seasons, Hachimura was the Lakers’ most consistent three-point threat, making well over 40.0% of his attempts each year. Despite opening significant room with over $50 million in cap space after James decided to leave the team, the Lakers are unlikely to retain the Japanese forward. Hachimura was also presumed to be the Los Angeles’ long-term option at power forward if James left.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer’s report late on Tuesday, Hachimura is increasingly unlikely to return to Los Angeles. The San Antonio Spurs are targeting the 6-foot-8 forward with a two-year deal.
After the news broke, Lakers fans were baffled by general manager Rob Pelinka’s decisions. Along with potentially seeing Hachimura leave, he also let multiple free agents like Luke Kennard (joined the Phoenix Suns on a two-year deal) and Marcus Smart (reportedly headed to the Houston Rockets on a three-year deal) walk.
One fan called Pelinka out, saying:
“Best of luck to all Lakers fans, nothing but respect. However, you cant help but think, what in the world is Rob doing? You freed up space with LeBron leaving, then you are loosing all of these players?!”
More reactions followed.
Lakers adding 6-foot-9 forward/center as Rui Hachimura replacement: Report
The Lakers have a Rui Hachimura replacement ready. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, people around the league believe Sandro Mamukelashvili has a deal in place with Los Angeles and he will replace Hachimura.
“The league believes Sandro Mamukelashvili is headed to the Lakers,” Windhorst said on Tuesday’s NBA Today. “That’s what people in the league believe. And he would basically replace Rui Hachimura.”
Mamukelashvili is slightly bigger than Hachimura at 6-foot-9 and can play the center position as a floor space. He played for the Toronto Raptors last year, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, shooting 52.3% from the field, including 38.9% from three-point range. In comparison, Hachimura averaged 11.5 ppg and 3.3 rpg, shooting 51.4% from the field, including 44.3% from three-point range.
Both players are 27 and fit Doncic’s timeline. However, Hachimura was likely going to be a more expensive option than Mamukelashvili. The Lakers have more needs at the center and wing spots, so they will likely use the extra money saved in this potential deal to address those roster holes.
As good as Hachimura was offensively, his rebounding, hustle and lack of defensive versatility were issues more often than not. Mamukelashvili isn’t exactly significantly better, but he’s more mobile and versatile than Hachimura on that end of the floor.
Read more:
- “How About Kessler?” “Feels Inevitable”: Lakers Fans Have Mixed Reactions To Report Suggesting Jalen Duren Could Get 7.4M Offer From LA
- Warriors Trade Rumors: LeBron James Holds Keys to Anthony Davis Deal
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