Current Status of Rui Hachimura with the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly admiring forward Rui Hachimura but are unlikely to extend his contract ahead of the upcoming NBA season. According to insider Jovan Buha, there are no immediate plans for the Lakers to secure Hachimura with a contract extension in the next six weeks.

Financial Flexibility and Team Dynamics

Buha, speaking during a recent report, highlighted that the Lakers are keen on maintaining financial flexibility as they navigate their roster decisions this season. With pivotal contracts ending, including those of superstars such as LeBron James and promising players like Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, the team is focusing on how Hachimura will fit within the starting lineup or potentially as a sixth man.

Maintaining a clean salary cap space appears to be a strategy for the Lakers, especially as they consider future team constructions. Renowned players Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart also hold player options for the 2026-27 season, adding to the complexity of the Lakers' financial decisions moving forward.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The only long-term certainty appears to be Luka Dončić, who recently secured a three-year extension, indicating the Lakers' focus could soon pivot entirely to building around him. This transition would place a higher priority on keeping players like Reaves rather than role players such as Hachimura, underscoring the current uncertain outlook for the forward.

As the Lakers assess their roster, they are likely to evaluate the compatibility of Hachimura and Ayton alongside Dončić during the 2025-26 campaign. While Hachimura remains in the Lakers’ plans for now, his performance this season could very well dictate if he earns a new deal in Los Angeles or if he finds a multi-year contract with another team.