There has been no public movement toward a contract extension for Rui Hachimura this summer, and now, there is legitimate chatter that Marcus Smart could start over him next season. Whether intentional or not, the message seems fairly clear from the Los Angeles Lakers: Hachimura is not untouchable, and his future with the franchise is anything but guaranteed.
That reality may surprise some fans, considering Hachimura’s strong stretches in the 2024-25 season. He shot the ball well, played physical defense, and retained a consistent spot in the rotation. But entering a contract year without any sign of extension talks is usually not a great omen, and the growing speculation around Smart’s potential role in the starting lineup makes things even more complicated.
It's not necessarily that Smart is a better offensive player. In fact, his role is far more limited when it comes to scoring. But his value as a point-of-attack defender and his ability to bring toughness to a unit that lacked that edge last season could give him the inside track. If the Lakers’ coaching staff wants to surround Luka Doncic with more defensive support, Smart becomes a pretty easy name to circle.
Hachimura could lose his starting spot to Smart
That creates a legitimate dilemma. If Smart starts, it likely means either Austin Reaves or Rui is moved to the bench. Reaves is coming off another productive season and has strong chemistry with Doncic already, so Hachimura becomes the more likely odd man out. And once a player loses that starting spot heading into a contract year, it can quickly shift the tone of their long-term outlook with the team.
It is not that Hachimura has been on a downward spiral. He has been a mostly solid contributor and generally fits well next to Doncic when given the opportunity. But the Lakers' silence on his extension and their willingness to shuffle the depth chart suggest they are keeping their options open. That might mean they are evaluating how the current group meshes before committing further money, or it could indicate they are more focused on the pieces they have under longer-term control.
Either way, Rui is heading into a pivotal season. If he plays well and accepts whatever role is asked of him, he could re-establish his value and force the Lakers to rethink their stance. But as it stands right now, the franchise is not exactly going out of its way to make him feel secure. And that says plenty on its own.