Lakers Navigate Rui Hachimura’s Future…
Rui Hachimura’s latest chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers reads like a bestselling novel, though judging by his contract situation, it’s more like a thriller with no ending in sight. Drafted by the Washington Wizards and later swapped to the Lakers in 2023, he’s improved his 3-point shots faster than my pet hamster spins on his wheel whenever he sees a piece of cheese. Despite being pivotal for the Lakers in recent seasons, Hachimura is unlikely to see an extension before training camp starts, as insiders indicate the Lakers are watching their books like a hawk eyeing a field mouse.
This approach isn’t shocking, since the Lakers seem to be playing financial Tetris, fitting pieces around Luka Doncic and the new ownership as they head into an unpredictable future. It’s not that Hachimura isn’t appreciated; the front office simply isn’t ready to dole out cash like they’re funding a space mission. Heading into his final contract year, Hachimura aims to rebound more effectively and polish off his defense, perhaps to catch the eye of the coaching staff—or at least to make sure his sumo wrestling training doesn’t go to waste. This season, the stakes are higher than a giraffe on a trampoline as the Lakers prepare for potential max cap space next summer.
