Austin Reaves and LeBron James are arguably the two biggest and best names on the upcoming free agent market. That puts a reunion with the two stars right at the top of the Los Angeles Lakers' to-do list for the summer months. That said, there are plenty of free agents in Hollywood beyond just them.
The Lakers only have six players who are guaranteed to be under contract for next season. One of those is even on a partial guarantee. That puts the roster in a massive state of flux. It should keep fans guessing as to which of their free agents ultimately end up back in Los Angeles for next season.
Dan Woike of The Athletic gave a peek behind closed doors in relation to that. The Lakers insider offered two names who are viewed as guys that Rob Pelinka and his front office want in Los Angeles for next season.
"The belief is that Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are players the Lakers would prioritize bringing back as they try to best fit a roster around [Luka] Doncic."
Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes both have reason to stick around with the Lakers
Hearing that Hachimura and Hayes are players who Pelinka wants in a Doncic-led future for the Lakers should be unsurprising. There is a good case to be made for the long-term fit of either.
Hayes would project as the easier reunion to envision. The chemistry between Doncic and his lob partner is obvious. The fact that the Lakers center is now a member of the Slovenian national team with Luka does not hurt either.
Then, there is also the matter of the finances. Hayes' return to Los Angeles should be relatively inexpensive by comparison to the other player in question here. That would make the high-flying center someone who can be expected to don purple and gold next season.
Hachimura's situation is not as simple. If Woike is correct, the desire to see Rui back is clear. It would be the finances that need to line up for both sides.
The Lakers forward has more than earned a fair payday from someone. However, Hachimura's money also represents an avenue toward the overall improvements that can be made in free agency with the roster. That could create a hold-up for both sides.
Perhaps Rui and the Lakers can overcome that if the desire for a reunion is strong enough from both ends. Hachimura's sharpshooting has fit marvelously beside Doncic since the latter's arrival in Los Angeles. That should offer each party some incentive to keep the dynamic going.
Hayes and Hachimura are both names who make a ton of sense as desirable retentions for the Lakers. Whether Pelinka and company can overcome the hurdles to get those deals done should become more apparent the closer the calendar moves to the start of free agency.
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