headtopics
Rui Hachimura 'Biggest Unknown' for Lakers Heading into NBA Free Agency Things are starting to heat up regarding the Los Angeles Lakers offseason plans, with the 2026 NBA Draft only a few days away on June 23 and the first domino o Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura shoots the ball during the second half against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images offseason plans, with the 2026 NBA Draft only a few days away on June 23 and the first domino of the summer expected to fall with the Milwaukee Bucks trading superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the draft.
Once Antetokounmpo gets moved, and it seems highly unlikely at this point that hell get traded to the Lakers, the expectation is that teams around the league, including the storied franchise in Los Angeles, will start to see their offseason take shape regarding free agency and other trades that can be made.As for the Lakers, half of the teams roster will become free agents or have the opportunity to do so, with some key players, like, Hachimura is coming off perhaps his best season with the Lakers while becoming an elite outside shooter and will likely get a lucrative long-term deal this summer.
The biggest unknown is swingman Rui Hachimura.The 28-year-old forward followed up a strong regular season with a brilliant playoffs while playing on an $18.3 million expiring deal.
Several league sources told ESPN they believe Hachimura could be the odd man out and that he might need to explore the market to find a desired deal.Theres no question that Hachimura proved his worth this past season and will get calls from teams around the league looking for a stretch four, but it remains to be seen how much the Lakers value what he brings to the table.
, which made sense.However, things change quickly during the offseason, and the veteran forward may have to look elsewhere to get the contract he desires.
Hachimura will be an unrestricted free agent and couldnt have had a better season on an expiring deal to merit a lucrative long-term contract with the Lakers or another team.
TheRyan Ward is an NBA journalist and a credentialed reporter with more than 15 years of experience covering the league and the Los Angeles Lakers.He has written for ClutchPoints, Lakers Nation, Heavy, Rotowire and EssentiallySports.
Ryan also produces a podcast and video content focused on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA at large..