The Los Angeles Lakers have made their position clear as the trade deadline approaches. Rui Hachimura is not untouchable, but he is also not being shopped around just for the sake of wanting to make a move. If he is included in a deal, it is because the Lakers believe it makes them better right now.
Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line that “the Lakers have shown a willingness to include Rui Hachimura in trade, sources say, but that's been a catalyst in their efforts to buy to fortify their current roster—not sell.” The mindset is about improving the current group, not pivoting away from it.
On the court, Hachimura has quietly put together one of his most efficient stretches as a member of the purple and gold. Through 35 games, he has been averaging 12.5 points and 3.6 rebounds while knocking down 43.9 percent of his threes, the best mark of his Lakers tenure. That shooting has been especially valuable for a team that struggles to knock down its clean looks.
After missing time with a calf injury, Hachimura returned in a bench role. At first, it looked like a minutes-management decision. Instead, it turned into something that worked. Coming off the second unit, he has been more aggressive and more involved, often operating as the primary scoring option. Over his last three games, he has averaged more than 17 points while shooting better than 50 percent from both the field and from deep.
The lineup balance has helped elsewhere, too. Jake LaRavia has been steady as a starter, allowing the coaching staff to keep Hachimura in a role that fits him. That clarity has brought out his confidence, and it shows in how decisively he is playing.
The assets problem that keeps Hachimura in conversations
Even so, the Lakers’ roster limitations matter. They do not have many tradable assets that draw real interest around the league, which naturally puts Hachimura in trade conversations. He is a big, physical forward who can score and space the floor, and teams are always looking for that.
The hesitation comes from fit. As productive as Hachimura has been, the Lakers’ biggest issues are still on the defensive end. They need a reliable 3 and D wing and more help with rebounding. Hachimura can score, but his defense has been uneven over the years.
That is why the Lakers’ stance feels straightforward. They value Hachimura and have found a role where he thrives. However, if a deal presents a clear path to fixing what is holding them back, they are willing to listen.