Rui Hachimura Expresses Loyalty to Lakers Ahead of Free Agency

Overview

• Hachimura said he loves the Lakers and will let his agent handle talks as he heads into free agency this summer.
• He boosted his value in the playoffs by averaging 17.5 points and hitting 56.9% from three, which lifted his career playoff mark to 51.6% for the top spot on the all-time list.
• He made $18.26 million this season, and multiple reports say he may need to accept less money to stay in Los Angeles.
• League chatter reported by local outlets points to a return to the Lakers, with the Nets and Bulls cited as among the few teams that could realistically make a competitive offer.
• Since his 2023 trade to Los Angeles, he has become a high-end spot-up threat, crediting ex-assistant Phil Handy’s guidance, LeBron James’ mentorship, and coach JJ Redick’s green light to shoot more threes.