The Los Angeles Lakers will not re-sign a crucial piece this offseason, according to an NBA insider.
The Los Angeles Lakers have steadied what was a rocky situation this offseason. They are in a position to contend for the NBA championship with a re-signed Luka Doncic alongside LeBron James.
They have made a series of roster moves, including signing DeAndre Ayton to fill their hole at centre. They did allow Dorian Finney-Smith to leave, who was a key defensive piece and a good friend of Doncic. The Lakers will decide to run the risk of losing another key starting player next summer.
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty ImagesLA Lakers not expected to extend Rui Hachimura’s contract this offseason, says NBA insider
The Lakers will opt not to extend Rui Hachimura this offseason as he enters the final year of his contract. Hachimura signed a three-year, $51 million contract in 2023, and averaged 13 points per game last season.
NBA insider Jovan Buha explained, “With the current intel I have, I do not expect Rui to be extended by the Lakers in the next six weeks.
“It’s certainly possible that something happens, but I would say most of what’s been out there is them wanting to keep the books clean and wanting to see whether he starts or whether he’s their sixth man and how the pieces fit this year.”
The Lakers made clear they are prioritising the summers of 2026 and 2027 to pursue big name free agents. That forced James to consider leaving LA, and he wants to win his fifth NBA title in the few years he has left.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could become available, as the Milwaukee Bucks struggle to build a title contender around him. That’s been the underlying factor to almost every free agency move this season.
The Warriors won’t offer Kuminga a long-term deal, and the San Antonio Spurs wouldn’t give up their young pieces for Kevin Durant, who was traded to the Houston Rockets, as they hope to keep their options open for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But Hachimura is an important piece for the Lakers’ hopes.
Rui Hachimura’s impact on the LA Lakers
Hachimura was one of three important wing players playing a key role on the Lakers last season. Hachimura, Jared Vanderbilt and Finney-Smith’s perimeter defending covered up Doncic’s defensive deficiencies, while providing three-point shooting on the other end.
Now Finney-Smith is gone, and while the Lakers brought in Jake LaRavia as a replacement, Hachimura’s role on the team just grew even more significant. Luka’s body transformation means he can be more active on defence, but he’ll still need help out there on the perimeter.
Yes, the Lakers need to maintain cap space for 2027 if they want to sign Antetokounmpo. But their championship window is open with James and Doncic. If they continue to allow key role players to walk with a sole focus on free agent signings, the risk is throwing away seasons for a player that may never arrive.
It’s a huge season for Hachimura to prove his worth to the team, and other teams around the league. He looks set for a starting role next season and can prove himself as an invaluable ‘three-and-d’ player on a title contender.