Rui Hachimura Hints at Desire to Remain With Lakers As He Enters Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers have multiple key players hitting free agency this summer. One of those players is forward Rui Hachimura, who has been with the Lakers for the past three-and-half seasons.

The Lakers acquired Hachimura in a trade with the Washington Wizards in January 2023. Los Angeles gave up guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks for Hachimura.

Now, the Lakers will need to work out a deal with Hachimura’s agents to keep the 28-year-old in Los Angeles next season. Some sources have reported that the re-signing Hachimura will be a priority for the Lakers this summer.

“Hachimura could be a priority for the Lakers. The 28-year-old is widely believed to want to stay with the Lakers. He shot 44.3 percent from 3-point range this season and is well-liked inside the locker room,” wrote Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

After the Lakers’ season-ending Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, Hachimura hinted at a desire to remain with the Lakers through free agency.

Hachimura told reporters he loves the Lakers organization but whether or not he returns is in the hands of his agents and the franchise.

“I love this team,” Hachimura said. “I love this organization since I got here. This is my fourth season here. Start from [President of Basketball Operations] Rob [Pelinka], everybody. The owners, Jeanie [Buss] and now new owner Mark [Walter]. I just like them. I just like how they operate everything.

“I really appreciate them for what they’ve done for me. They did a lot for me. I love it here, but at the end of the day, I’m not the one negotiating. My agent is negotiator. I’m not a good negotiator. I put everything on my agents.”

Hachimura’s previous contract with the Lakers was for three-year, $51 million.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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