This offseason is all about making Luka Doncic happy and ensuring next season's roster is complimentary of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. The Lakers may have just hit a significant road bump in that process amid Rui Hachimura's departure from the franchise.
Hachimura joined the crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $28 million deal. The Clippers continued a strong summer overhaul, while the Lakers may have just gone against the wishes of Doncic. Law Murray of The Athletic reported Luka preferred to have the franchise keep his guy.
"I'm told that Rui Hachimura was on the Luka Doncic preferred return list . Lakers wanted more defenders. Clippers had the cap space Lakers didn't have. Rui Hachimura wanted to stay in [Shohei] Ohtani's town . Matchmaker made a match."
Instead of being teammates with Hachimura, Doncic will be forced to watch him play right across the city of Los Angeles. The Lakers are certainly not done making moves, so the final product might prove to be worth Rui's departure. However, in the moment, the loss of the longtime Lakers forward does sting.
Lakers need to prove Rui Hachimura's departure was ultimately worth it
Offensively, Hachimura was a great fit beside Doncic. His catch and shoot ability made him a great supporting piece beside the superstar point guard in Los Angeles.
If Murray is right, the friction with including Hachimura in the long-term plans came from the defensive end of the basketball court. Rui certainly had his flaws on that side of the floor, but may not have been truly as bad as some parts of his reputation will suggest.
The real problem is the potential replacements for Hachimura are rather lackluster. Jonathan Kuminga has enjoyed a fair bit of connections to Los Angeles in free agency. Some reports have even stated the Lakers have openly desired the free agent forward over Hachimura.
There is just not a ton there that would undeniably lead one to believe Kuminga is a sizable upgrade over Rui. The former Golden State Warriors lottery pick has endured his fair share of issues as a pro. Adding him to the mix in Los Angeles would involve an uphill battle to remold the player he is.
Perhaps the Lakers are truly sold on the ability to do that. Otherwise, maybe there is a trade option out there that can prove superior to Hachimura's services. If not, letting Rui get away when he wanted to stay in Los Angeles and Doncic preferred to have him back will serve as a tough blow.
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