There was a somber feeling in the air as Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick and General Manager Rob Pelinka addressed the media on Tuesday morning. There’s no moral victory in a sweep, but they celebrated winning 50 games in the second year of the Luka Doncic era.
However, no role player received higher praise than Rui Hachimura. It’s a positive sign for him as the Lakers assess their roster for the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Preparing For The Offseason
Rui has constantly improved ever since he arrived in the Winter of 2023. Now three years later, he’s the best three-point shooter on the team (44%). He’s coming off his best postseason performance to date, averaging 17.5 points while shooting a ridiculous 56.9% from three.
It’s a testament to his hard work and dedication, two characteristics the fans love about the Japanese Power Forward. His recent improvements have raised the question: How much should Rui make on his next deal?
His $18 million annual salary will certainly increase after the entire league witnessed his composure in the postseason, and with Austin Reaves’ payday looming, it’s clear that Rob Pelinka will have to open his checkbook.
Figuring Out Rui’s Future In Los Angeles
Since Hachimura will make less than Reaves, it’d be wise to lock down their sharpshooting forward first. After signing a three-year, $51 million deal in 2023, he’s certainly returned the investment to the front office.
His services have warranted a pay raise, and with $92 million in cap space, the Lakers could extend Rui on a three-year, $75 million contract.
Some fans might disagree with the pitched price, but pieces like Rui will be crucial for Luka Dončić’s core post-LeBron James, which could be as early as next season. Since the end of the King James era is approaching, Hachimura must take an even bigger leap and replicate his postseason averages during the regular season.
He has showcased the tools to become a better scorer. The former top-10 pick is maturing as a man, while also unlocking his full potential as a basketball player.
What is Rui Hachimura’s Ceiling In LA?
At 28 years old, Hachimura is entering his prime, so the Lakers are going to benefit from his best years. Rob Pelinka expressed his excitement about Rui’s future in L.A.
He used Hachimura’s story as an example for how they want to develop their talent moving forward.
It’s clear that he will be here for the long term, and fans should be excited about the final product. Other than his consistent shooting stroke, he’s also improving on defense.
His impact on both sides of the ball has led to a +/- of +81 on the season. Which will only increase as time goes on. Rui will likely never join Luka in the NBA All-Star Game. However, he’ll be a reliable scorer in the frontcourt for years to come.
The next step in his development is to average 17+ points per game; if he can do that, he’ll show he’s on an upward trajectory.
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