The Lakers are standing firm on keeping Rui Hachimura, even as trade rumors swirl ahead of next month’s deadline. Team sources are making it clear – they really like what they’re seeing from the 26-year-old forward.
“Rui’s pretty good!” That’s what one Lakers insider told Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times when discussing potential trade scenarios.
And the numbers back that up.
Hachimura is having his best season yet, averaging 12.2 points and 5.3 rebounds while playing a career-high 32 minutes per game. What’s really turning heads is his shooting – he’s hitting 41% from three-point range and nearly 49% overall.
He’s become such a key piece that he’s started all 37 games he’s played this season.
The team’s performance tells an even bigger story. When Hachimura’s on the court, the Lakers outscore opponents by 6.1 points per 100 possessions. Only Austin Reaves has a better impact on the team’s success.
“He’s been number one in terms of consistency,” Woike explained, noting how well Hachimura has responded to coach JJ Redick’s system.
It’s not just about his play – his contract situation makes sense too. Hachimura’s in the first year of a three-year, $51 million deal that looks pretty reasonable by NBA standards. He’s making $17 million this season, with a slight bump to $18.25 million in 2025-26.
Here’s the catch, though.
The Lakers might need Hachimura’s contract to land a big-name center they’ve been eyeing. They’ve shown interest in players like Jonas Valanciunas from Washington and Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic.
“He is their most direct pathway to making a ‘bigger trade,'” Woike admitted. “But he matters.”
That’s the challenge facing Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. How do you upgrade the roster without giving up a player who’s become such a vital part of your team’s success?
For now, it looks like Hachimura isn’t going anywhere. And that might be exactly what the Lakers need.
