The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2025-26 NBA season with multiple expiring deals on the books.
In a way, this gives general manager Rob Pelinka some much-needed flexibility during the regular season.
After all, even with the presence of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves on the roster, there’s no guarantee that the Los Angeles Lakers will emerge as a top team in the loaded Western Conference.
As a result, having nearly $40 million in expiring deals, including Rui Hachimura, could allow the Lakers to potentially engage in deals around the NBA Trade Deadline.
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesJovan Buha gives the latest update on Rui Hachimura’s contract situation
For context, Hachimura is all set to enter the final year of his three-year, $51 million deal with the Purple and Gold. Hachimura will make $18.2 million for the 2025-26 NBA season.
While the 27-year-old has played an instrumental role on the Lakers over the last three years or so, NBA insider Jovan Buha reported there’s no guarantee that Rui will receive a new deal soon.
“They can’t extend him at the end of the season. With the current intel I have, I do not expect Rui to be extended by the Lakers in the next six weeks,” Buha said via his YouTube channel.
He added: “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.”
Hachimura averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game for the Lakers last season. So, there’s no doubt that he can provide some vital contributions.
LA Lakers yet to decide Rui Hachimura’s role, says Jovan Buha
Last season, Hachimura played in 59 games while starting all but two games during the campaign. However, there’s no guarantee that Rui will receive the same treatment from coach JJ Redick next season.
“I think wanting to see whether he starts or whether he’s their sixth man. Just kind of how the pieces fit this year,” Buha continued.
“… I think for the Lakers overall, there’s a lot of evaluation with so many guys being in contract years, so this is a big year for deciding who we’re going to keep, who we’re going to trade, who we’re going to let walk next summer,” he concluded.
The Lakers have multiple options at the power forward position, including Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia. So, coach Redick has plenty of choices to experiment with his rotations.