The Los Angeles Lakers may be forced to let Rui Hachimura walk in free agency if Austin Reaves gets the max contract he wants. AR made just under $14 million this season, and that number jumps over $41 million if he gets a max contract. The Lakers have several key free agents. They want to upgrade their roster, so difficult decisions are coming. If Reaves gets the max, there won’t be room to keep Hachimura.
Rui has become an elite shooter, and fans saw his impact in the playoffs. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 38.6 minutes per game. Luka Doncic was out, so Hachimura stepped up. Having a prime 6’8 forward shoot 56.9 percent from 3-point range was massive, especially in the Lakers' upsetting the Rockets in the opening round.
Hachimura made $18.2 million this season and will be asking for slightly more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency. If the Lakers pay Reaves like a superstar, they may not have the $15-20 million per year to keep Rui. They want shooting around Luka, but it isn’t that simple. LA might prioritize defense as they let Hachimura walk.
Rui Hachimura could be forced off the Lakers if Austin Reaves lands a max contract
The Lakers will exceed the salary cap to sign Austin Reaves, but they won’t exceed the second apron. Depending on what moves Rob Pelinka makes, LA might be hard-capped at the first apron.
Even if they avoid those restrictions, the second apron line is set at $222 million. The purple and gold would have $90.8 million committed to Doncic and Reaves. Add in another $14.6 million to keep Jake LaRavia, Bronny James, Adou Thiero, and Dalton Knecht. The Lakers quickly have $105.4 million used with just six players on their roster.
A starting caliber center who is an upgrade over Deandre Ayton would cost at least $20 million per year. The Lakers still have to decide on the futures of LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, and Rui Hachimura. They would love to keep Marcus Smart, but he will want a raise. LA would need at least 14 players under contract to start the year. The money disappears quickly.
Hachimura was unlikely to return before Reaves’ max contract desire was known. The Lakers may struggle to keep Kennard if Reaves gets $41-plus million next season. It would be painful to see two talented role players walk out the door with zero return.
The Lakers want to find a center upgrade and add more defense on the wings. Hachimura is a strong fit with what the Lakers want to build, but he will likely demand $15-20 million per year. Los Angeles can’t keep LeBron, Rui, and upgrade. They have to decide between two of those three outcomes.
The Lakers' priority is re-signing Austin Reaves. They want him to be Luka’s co-star for years to come. If it takes a full max contract, Los Angeles should get it done. They can’t afford to let a future All-Star just walk in free agency with zero return.
The Los Angeles Lakers could lose Rui Hachimura if AR gets a max contract. They won’t have the money to pay everyone and upgrade their roster. Hachimura was moved to the bench when the team was healthy, and he could be forced to walk in free agency. There are several difficult decisions coming for the Lakers, and all fans can do is stay tuned to see how they shake out.
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