LA Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has found himself on the trade rumor mill ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. The Lakers’ price tag for Hachimura has raised eyebrows around the league, with reports on Monday indicating that they’re seeking a first-round pick for the former Gonzaga star.
The reports added that Los Angeles is willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old because his $18.2 million contract is set to expire. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this 2025-26 season.
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However, multiple reports have noted that league interest in Rui Hachimura hasn’t been strong. Several mock trades have the Lakers sending him, along with assets, to the Portland Trail Blazers for 3-and-D wing Jerami Grant Another mock trade has him in a package alongside Gabe Vincent for sharpshooter Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers.
Hachimura has embraced a sixth-man role this season. He spoke to “The Athletic” on Monday about his new role on the team.
“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.”
He started from the bench in the Lakers’ 129-118 road win against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, finishing the game with 23 points, two rebounds and a single assist.
Luka Doncic praises Rui Hachimura after performance in win against the Chicago Bulls
Luka Doncic praised Rui Hachimura, whose effort off the bench helped the Lakers to back-to-back wins.
“He’s been great,” Doncic said. “Obviously, coming back from injury is not easy. But he’s been playing amazingly. So we need him out here every time, and the way he has been playing is awesome.”
Doncic, who was named conference player of the week on Monday for the second time this season, finished the game with 46 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. He became the third player in NBA history to score 2,000 points in their first 65 games with a franchise, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Walt Bellamy.
Edited by Ubong Richard