The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an uncomfortable position in their second round series.
They have discovered the hard way that the Oklahoma City Thunder are a different kettle of fish from the Houston Rockets.
Being 3-0 down means the Lakers are one leg outside the elimination zone. It will require a historic turnaround at this point to go through. Hard to see where they can get that with no sign of Luka Doncic yet.
With the season potentially ending soon, the Lakers’ front office already faces a looming offseason crisis. They may lose a lot of good players to free agency in the summer.
Los Angeles Lakers Must Make a Decision on Star
The Lakers have some notable stars that will enter the free agency market this offseason. Austin Reaves holds a player option while LeBron James could test the waters for the first time since joining L.A.
James, of course, will be the biggest headliner in the offseason, but perhaps one player the Lakers might lose is forward Rui Hachimura. The team can re-sign him, but competing demands for minutes, salary, and fit will force hard choices.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers Head coach JJ Redick and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
Hachimura, 28, is in the final year of a three-year, $51 million deal. According to reports, he has drawn significant interest league-wide as a versatile forward who can score, stretch the floor, and defend at a high level in spurts.
California Post’s Michael Duarte reports that Hachimura is an asset many teams wouldn’t want to pass on, not even the Lakers.
“If the Lakers let Hachimura walk for nothing, then they’re not just losing a role player. They’re losing their most consistent playoff performer. The one guy who showed up for every game this series against the reigning champions,” Duarte wrote.
Hachimura has been one shining spark in what has been a disappointing conference semis for the Lakers. He is averaging 18.3 points per game against OKC, however, it is his shooting that has caught the eye. He is shooting at 57.1 % from 3 on 7.0 attempts per game. Before Game 3, the Lakers announced that he holds the record for the highest career playoff 3-point percentage in NBA history.
Teams will not pass on a forward who is 6-foot-8 and can knock down shots from range while not being a primary or even a secondary ball handler. Hachimura might be tempted elsewhere if the Lakers lowball a deal to re-sign him.
What’s Next For Hachimura?
Hachimura played 68 games this season and started in 41. He offers reasonable minutes from the start or the bench. He has evolved significantly since arriving via trade from the Washington Wizards in 2024. He has become a dependable star for a Lakers team still finding its rhythm to compete for championships.
Losing Hachimura as a free agent is a move that may come back to bite the Lakers. Hence the need to lock the forward to a suitable contract. Hachimura is still happy in L.A. but the NBA trade market is highly unpredictable and where he will end up will come down to how well the Lakers can convince him to stay.
Lakers Hit With Free Agency Warning on ‘Most Consistent’ Playoff Star