The Los Angeles Lakers have until June 30 to decide whether to extend forward Rui Hachimura, a decision that could shape the team’s title hopes as they navigate a re-tooled roster anchored by new franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, and 40-year-old LeBron James, who is on an expiring contract.
Hachimura’s potential extension comes at a pivotal moment for the Lakers, who are juggling championship ambitions with the financial flexibility needed to pursue a max free agent in 2027.
Potential Extension Terms
According to Bryan Toporek of SB Nation’s Silver Screen and Roll, Hachimura is eligible for an extension “that could start as high as $27.6 million and then increase 8% annually from there.”
While a maximum deal appears unlikely, Toporek suggested the Lakers could look at the four-year, $88.8 million contract recently signed by P.J. Washington with the Dallas Mavericks as a template. Washington’s deal represents 12-13% of the Mavericks’ cap space, compared with Hachimura potentially taking up 16-17% if a max-level offer were extended.
Both Hachimura and Washington occupy similar roles on teams that have added marquee offseason acquisitions — No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg to Dallas and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to Los Angeles — raising questions about their spot in the starting lineup.
Hachimura’s Value and Trade Talks
GettyDonovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat.
The 27-year-old Hachimura averaged 13.1 points on 51/41/77 shooting splits, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists last season. His combination of 3-point shooting, size, and defensive versatility made him a key contributor as the Lakers clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, though they fell in the first round of the playoffs.
However, the addition of Smart and the Lakers’ search for another 3-and-D wing has placed Hachimura at the center of trade speculation. Earlier this offseason, Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported that the Miami Heat expressed interest in Hachimura as part of a potential trade for Andrew Wiggins, though Miami ultimately sought more than Hachimura, stalling negotiations.
Sam Amick of The Athletic noted on the Sept. 22 episode of the Zach Lowe Show podcast that Hachimura’s tradability is likely a factor in why the Lakers have yet to offer him an extension. Maintaining financial flexibility, Amick said, remains a priority for Los Angeles.
Analyst Perspectives on Hachimura
The Ringer’s Zach Lowe described Hachimura as “an interesting candidate” for an extension and emphasized his underrated contributions.
“I think Rui Hachimura’s good,” Lowe said in his podcast. “He’s actually underrated… politically, it’s probably difficult for him to start over LeBron, Luka, or Austin Reaves. But he offers a 40%-ish three-point shot, one-on-one skills, and defensive versatility around the star players.”
Toporek highlighted the Lakers’ advantage with Hachimura’s Bird Rights, which allow them to re-sign him even over the salary cap and offer 8% annual raises. While other teams are limited to four-year offers and 5% annual raises, the Lakers could extend a five-year deal if he reaches free agency.
Lakers’ Risky Play
If Hachimura has a strong season, the Lakers could face a critical decision: extend him now to lock in a versatile contributor or risk losing him to free agency. Toporek noted that more than half a dozen teams are projected to have cap space next offseason, which could make Hachimura a sought-after free agent if Los Angeles delays.
With a roster built around Dončić and James, Hachimura’s performance and the Lakers’ handling of his extension will be a storyline worth watching this season as the team balances immediate championship aspirations with long-term financial strategy.
Lakers Urged to Mirror Recent NBA Deal on Hachimura Extension