{"id":155083,"date":"2025-08-16T13:40:35","date_gmt":"2025-08-16T17:40:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=155083"},"modified":"2025-08-16T13:40:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T17:40:35","slug":"lakers-rui-hachimura-extension-unlikely-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/08\/16\/lakers-rui-hachimura-extension-unlikely-offseason\/","title":{"rendered":"Report: Next Season Could Be This Laker’s Last in LA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amid many changes for the Los Angeles Lakers, one insider says a valued contributor may not be back after this coming season\u2014a belief that hinges on several factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Report: Next Season Could Be This Laker’s Last in LA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Jovan Buha: Lakers Unlikely to Offer Rui Hachimura an Extension<\/b><\/h3>\n

During a Thursday night livestream of his podcast, <\/span>\u201cBuha\u2019s Block,\u201d<\/span><\/a> Jovan Buha said the Lakers may not offer <\/span>Rui Hachimura<\/span><\/a> an <\/span>extension<\/span><\/a> before the deadline hits in October.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>With the current intel I have, I do not expect Rui to be extended by the Lakers in the next six weeks. It\u2019s certainly possible that something happens, but I would say most of what\u2019s been out there is them wanting to keep the books clean and wanting to see whether he starts or whether he\u2019s their sixth man and how the pieces fit this year.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He added that given recent additions and several player options, the Lakers brass will face heavy decisions on who to keep, trade, or let walk in free agency. All of the team\u2019s latest <\/span>acquisitions<\/span><\/a> signed two-year deals this summer, a strategy designed to keep them in play for a <\/span>loaded 2027 free agent class<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, Buha says the Lakers remain \u201chigh\u201d on Hachimura, but there is a \u201cpositional squeeze\u201d and potential for \u201cdiminishing returns\u201d as his role shifts next to <\/span>Luka Doncic<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Austin Reaves<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Deandre Ayton<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 59 games (57 starts) last season, Hachimura averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 50.9% from the field, 41.3% from deep and 77% from the free-throw line. He went on to have one of the best (albeit short-lived) postseasons of his career, tying a career-high 14.8 points per game on 49% shooting from the field and 48% from three.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Feb
Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) dribbles the ball on Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hachimura\u2019s Role in Flux<\/b><\/h3>\n

This summer has sparked plenty of conversations around Hachimura\u2019s role heading into next season. While it would make sense for head coach JJ Redick to keep him as the incumbent starter, the prospect of replacing him with <\/span>Marcus Smart<\/span><\/a> seems too good to ignore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lakers' expected starting 5 and backup unit next season, per sources:<\/p>\n

Starters: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton<\/p>\n

2nd unit: Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Jaxson Hayes pic.twitter.com\/6UQUIp6NhF<\/a><\/p>\n

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) August 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n