The Lakeshow Review

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura culminated his third season with the team this year (two and a half if you consider that he was traded to LA during the 2023 trade deadline). Rui has had a very positive impact since his arrival, averaging 13.4ppg, 4.6rbp and 1.3apg on 52%FG and 42%3PT during his last two seasons in LA. He’s been a steady role player, who takes nothing off the table, isn’t high maintenance and contributes in two of the crucial areas of the modern game; scoring and outside shooting. He currently makes an annual salary of $17M (which will bump to $18.25M for the 2026 season — the final season in his deal), which makes him a positive asset by current evaluations, as his production is fairly robust relative to his salary. He’s not a negative asset, he’s not dead weight. For these reasons, I feel that Rui is perhaps the team’s best tradeable contract currently on the roster. With the Lakers facing several offseason questions, namely their search for a big man as well as shoring up their perimeter defense, Rui could find himself on the move. As productive as he’s been, there’s a case to be made that Rui’s on-court value is more redundant than complimentary. Personally, I’m a big fan of Rui Hachimura. He’s been great for this team in his short tenure so far, even if he doesn’t exactly solve any of the team’s current needs. His talent is obvious and cannot be disputed. But the Lakers have some crucial decisions they must consider heading into the summer. Rui’s on-court production and salary could make him a viable trade candidate for LA as the team seeks upgrades in other areas.

Hachimura, 27, will be entering the final year of his contract where he’ll earn slightly north of $18M. This means that he would factor in as ideal ‘salary ballast’ for LA to utilize in a trade scenario. Packaging Rui’s salary with a first round pick could net the Lakers a legitimate rotational piece, one that could address a pressing rotational need. Teams finding themselves in rebuilding situations (like Brooklyn or Portland) and looking to tear things down could view $18M of expiring money as an attractive prospect. Throw in draft sweeteners and that’s a solid package that can net a nice player in return. With Rob Pelinka reinstating his vision of building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves during his exit presser, Hachimura decidedly emerges as LA’s top contract to send out amidst their quest for a more balanced lineup. Rui currently occupies the power forward position. With LeBron James locked in the small forward slot, unless he is ultimately traded (something I wouldn’t be averse to). Hachimura, for all his virtues, isn’t adept at consistently guarding players at his position. He doesn’t bring forth the requisite physicality or rim protection to consistently be a plus on the defensive end. He’s also not quick enough to guard small forwards, not to mention, that is LeBron’s position for now. Defensive switches also present more issues when it comes to Rui. Particularly out in the perimeter, Rui lacks the lateral movement and tenacity to stay in front of smaller guards and/or forwards. We saw it in the playoffs. Ant Edwards decimated the Lakers defense on switches, with Rui being caught in the crossfires on several occasions. It should come as no surprise that LA simply needs more length and able defenders in open space. Additionally, in defensive help scenarios, Rui does not offer the type of help qualities as a low man to deter shots at the rim. Anytime Edwards or Minnesota’s other perimeter players broke down LA’s defense, the team looked hapless with either Rui or LeBron as the low man. Some of this was due to poor defensive game planning, particularly when it came to clearly delegating help responsibilities. But it was also painfully obvious that the team lacks a viable defensive presence on the interior. Hachimura, unfortunately, isn’t that.

On the other hand, you have to love Rui’s offense. He’s been a great contributor on that end. Even in the playoffs, when the defensive competition gets tighter, Rui still excels. In his 3 playoff seasons with the Lakers, Rui has put up 12ppg and 4rpg on an effective 51% from the field and 46% from long range. These are very solid numbers, particularly for a player who’s your 4th or 5th option on most nights. His offensive output certainly should not go without props. But they say that you have to give value in order to get value. And the roster, as presently constructed, is lacking in several key areas. Moves need to be made.

Rui isn’t your average soon-to-be expiring contract, in the sense that he isn’t merely salary ballast nor is he a non-factor on the court. He’s a very productive player who will happen to be playing on an expiring deal. He’s also a high character guy with a solid rep. This all translates into “tradeable asset”. I don’t think teams will view Rui or his contract as a burden. On the contrary he could be an avenue for a rebuilding team to shed salary, due to the expiring nature of his contract, and his lack of baggage would make him all the more attractive to rival clubs. If LA can find themselves in a situation where a team like Dallas is willing to trade a Daniel Gafford for Hachimura and first rounder, or if Portland decides it no longer needs D’Andre Ayton and is willing to accept a combo of Rui, Gabe Vincent and a second rounder, then these are all deals LA must seriously consider, and ultimately pull the trigger on. As much as I like Rui, defensively he simply isn’t the most optimal fit. Plus, LA’s roster is very unbalanced as of right now. With Luka only being capable of guarding 2s and 3s, and LeBron 3s and 4s, there simply isn’t any room for Rui as a sensible defensive contributor on this team. Since he’s still a very good player, and playing on a reasonably good deal, perhaps the time is now to explore every scenario in which Hachimura can be moved in order to fill another gap on the lineup.

In my estimation, it comes down to Rui and DFS, as far as the teams’ most tradeable players. DFS is a small forward, who plays great perimeter defense and can knock down the open corner three. In other words, he’s exactly the type of player the Lakers should retain and seek to find more of. DFS will also have a player option this summer (for approximately $15M). Should he opt out, it would seriously behoove the front office to negotiate an extension, as he’s the lone 3&D man currently on the team. Rui, on the other hand, provides most of his value on the offensive side. As this team seeks to balance its personnel and address its weaknesses, it’s clearly evident that Rui becomes the odd man out. This isn’t a slight on Rui; he’s an excellent basketball player. He’s a strong forward who can finish at the rim with authority, run the floor and play the type of off-ball game that’s the perfect compliment to a dominant ballhandler. When he’s given a healthy amount of open looks, he’ll hit most of them, as his shooting splits would indicate. However, the lack of tenacity on defense and low motor on the boards ultimately diminishes his aggravate value. Rui’s a good player. He’ll surely find himself being a contributor on any team, and it isn’t hard to see another team finding value in his game. However, if any opportunities arise where the Lakers can flip Rui’s skillset for one of immediate need, then that is the type of tough call that Rob Pelinka has to make as a GM, if the goal is to fully optimize the roster’s window.