The Los Angeles Lakers have a ton of moving parts, but the biggest unknown for the team is actually a player who has gone under the radar during his time in LA.
Forward Rui Hachimura has been a relatively unsung hero for the Lakers, typically raising his level in the postseason and providing consistently solid forward play during the regular season.
Look no further than his 2025 postseason, where he averaged 17.5 points on 56.8% from deep. With a shorthanded squad, he kept them afloat with his timely three-point shooting.
However, Hachimura is now a free agent, hitting the open market after an offseason and a playoff run that showcased the most valuable skills in the modern NBA — 3-point shooting and solid defense.
And for the Lakers, his performance could not have come at a worse time, considering they already have so many free agents and the money will run out quickly if they try to hold on to everyone.
Forward Rui Hachimura has been a relatively unsung hero for the Lakers, typically raising his level in the postseason and providing consistently solid forward play during the regular season.
Look no further than his 2025 postseason, where he averaged 17.5 points on 56.8% from deep. With a shorthanded squad, he kept them afloat with his timely three-point shooting.
However, Hachimura is now a free agent, hitting the open market after an offseason and a playoff run that showcased the most valuable skills in the modern NBA — 3-point shooting and solid defense.
And for the Lakers, his performance could not have come at a worse time, considering they already have so many free agents and the money will run out quickly if they try to hold on to everyone.
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