Rui Hachimura is in the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 27-year-old forward is making $18.2 million this season, and the Lakers have not extended him. That lack of action speaks volumes about how the organization views his long-term future with the team.
Tyler Watts of Lake Show Life recently predicted that this will be Hachimura’s final season in Los Angeles. The reasoning is straightforward: if the Lakers saw Hachimura as a long-term piece, they would have already extended him.
“Hachimura is making $18.2 million in the final year of his contract, and the Lakers haven’t extended him,” Watts wrote. “That should tell fans all they need to know. If Los Angeles saw him as a long-term piece, the 6-foot-8 forward would have a new contract and a more featured role.”
Why the Lakers May Move On From Rui Hachimura
GettyRui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The fit has never been ideal.
Hachimura and LeBron James have to guard the same players, which creates an awkward dynamic when Luka Doncic is on the floor. The Lakers need wings who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor, but Hachimura is not a consistent three-point threat.
Hachimura is shooting 12.4 points per game on efficient shooting this season. But efficiency alone is not enough to justify keeping him at his current price tag when the fit is clunky.
The Lakers have been bringing Hachimura off the bench since he returned from a calf injury that kept him out for six games. Head coach JJ Redick said Hachimura would be on a minutes restriction and could come off the bench to ease him back into the rotation.
But the move to the bench is not just about injury management. The Lakers believe Hachimura can get more scoring chances with the second unit. That decision reflects how the organization views his role moving forward: a bench scorer, not a starting forward.
Rui Hachimura’s Team-First Attitude
Hachimura has handled the demotion with professionalism.
After returning from injury, he told The Athletic that he does not mind coming off the bench as long as the Lakers are winning games.
“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning,” Hachimura said. “That’s gonna help us to everybody get paid. And especially with this second unit, I get more touches too. I don’t mind. It’s more so like, who’s finishing the game? Or who’s playing more? For me, that’s more important.”
That team-first attitude is exactly what an organization wants from a player. Hachimura is willing to sacrifice his role if it means helping the Lakers win. But the Lakers have not reciprocated that loyalty with a contract extension.
Hachimura’s most memorable moments as a Laker came during the 2023 playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies. He could hardly miss from beyond the arc and completely dominated Memphis. Those performances raised hopes that Hachimura could develop into a reliable playoff contributor.
But consistency has been an issue. Hachimura has flashed brilliance in big moments, but he has not sustained that level of play over an entire season. The Lakers need more than occasional flashes if they are going to compete for a championship.
What Rui Hachimura’s Future Holds
Hachimura will likely test free agency this summer.
The Lakers have shown no indication they plan to re-sign him. Without an extension in place, Hachimura will have the opportunity to explore other options and see what the market values him at.
Other teams may view Hachimura as a solid rotation player who can provide scoring and rebounding off the bench. His ability to play multiple positions and his willingness to accept a reduced role make him an attractive option for teams looking for depth.
But his asking price will determine whether another team is willing to commit long-term money. Hachimura is making $18.2 million this season, and it is unclear if another team would offer him a similar deal. If the market is soft, Hachimura may have to take a pay cut to secure a multi-year contract.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will use the cap space to pursue a wing who fits better alongside LeBron and Luka. The organization wants a player who can defend at a high level and knock down open three-pointers. Hachimura does not check those boxes consistently enough to warrant a long-term commitment.
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