4 Lakers who are playing for their future in Los Angeles

By Jason Reed | Mar 6, 2023

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) – Rui Hachimura Lakers /

3. Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura was the first player that the Los Angeles Lakers traded for this season as the front office pivoted to finding young players that could play alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Almost every fan was happy with the trade when it happened and after the deadline, it looked like the Lakers stole Hachimura for nothing.

The price of other role players was much higher than Hacimura (three second-round picks, one of which being a swap) and the Lakers got some of those picks back anyway from the Thomas Bryant trade.

The problem is that Hachimura has not been playing up to expectations in the purple and gold. When he was acquired, fans were clamoring over his potential as a bench scorer that could give Los Angeles a fantastic catch-and-shoot option with size.

Instead, Hachimura has hardly been able to score the basketball in recent games. Hachimura has scored in double figures just one time since the all-star break. He is averaging seven points and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 36.6% from the field and 22.2% from three.

Hachimura is a restricted free agent this offseason and the Lakers have his Bird Rights so they control his destiny this offseason. If Los Angeles wants to bring him back then he will be back, no questions asked.

However, with the way he is playing, there is a chance that the Lakers don’t want Hachimura back if another team signs him to a pricey offer sheet.

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