Based on how the Los Angeles Lakers have handled their offseason matters, it's no surprise that Jovan Buha said on his podcast that he doesn't expect Rui Hachimura to sign an extension before the start of the season. He will join LeBron James as the other (former?) starting forward not to sign a new deal, except that LeBron will make quite a bit more than Rui next season (about 34 million).
The Lakers are focused on financial flexibility (specifically for the 2027 offseason), hence why Luka Doncic was (and will be) the only player to sign an extension this summer. He's locked in long-term after this past season's seismic trade, which still doesn't feel real at times.
Hachimura will have to wait to see how he fits in the Lakers' plans. Buha said that the team likes the 27-year-old, so maybe a new deal will come his way next summer, that is, if one doesn't happen this offseason.
Insider says Lakers likely won't extend Rui Hachimura this offseason
Hachimura's starting job is in jeopardy after he started 57 of the 29 games he played last season. Now that Marcus Smart is in LA, there has been speculation that he could start over Hachimura, which would be a confirmation of how the Lakers feel about Hachimura.
Depending on how the first half of the season goes, Hachimura could be in trade discussions leading up to the deadline. By that point, the Lakers should have a clear idea of whether he can continue his future in LA. If the organization doesn't feel that way, they can get something in return for him, rather than letting him walk for nothing in free agency.
Next season will be a sort of experiment for JJ Redick and the Lakers, with the head coach trying out different rotations with the new pieces that the team signed over the summer. That doesn't mean LA won't go after a title, especially not after Luka told Rob Pelinka that he wants to be in championship mode and return to the NBA Finals stage.
If Hachimura does come off the bench and plays a similar role to the one he did in the 2023 playoffs, he could guarantee his future with the Lakers. If he wants a big payday, though, that might not come from LA. He could be entering his final season in purple and gold.