The Los Angeles Lakers must upgrade their roster before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, and Rui Hachimura is playing his way off the team. Since LeBron’s return from injury, Hachimura has averaged 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 30.9 minutes per game. He starts, but disappears for long stretches of the game. The 6’8 forward has been held scoreless twice in 13 contests, and the Lakers are atrocious when he shares the floor with King James.
Los Angeles has a negative-1.4 net rating with Rui on the floor this season, and the Lakers are 2.4 points per 100 possessions better without him, but those numbers get even worse since LeBron returned. With James and Hachimura on the floor, the franchise has a negative-11.9 net rating and has allowed 127.2 points per 100 possessions. The positional overlap puts both players in problematic spots, and the opposition is feasting.
Hachimura is on an $18.2 million expiring contract, and the Lakers have to decide between him and LeBron. The other should be traded before the deadline. Finding a taker for King James won’t be easy, given his massive contract, so Rui is likely to be sent packing.
Rui Hachimura is playing his way off the Lakers
Los Angeles has lost three straight and four of their last six games behind dreadful defense. Head coach JJ Redick should make an obvious change by bringing Hachimura off the bench. It will allow him to stagger the 6’8 forward with LeBron and Deandre Ayton. Rui has performed terribly next to both players, and the change could give LA a short-term spark.
The Lakers desperately need a starting-caliber 3-and-D wing before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. That addition would take Hachimura’s place in the starting five. LA is not benching Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, or LeBron James. Number 77 wants to play with a roll man, so Ayton is locked in. That leaves just Hachimura’s spot to replace when everyone is healthy.
Rui simply doesn’t fit with the current Lakers roster. He has become an elite shooter, but Los Angeles needs a lockdown perimeter defender to pair with their stars. Hachimura’s offensive production is muted because the three stars are eating so much. Sadly, it just isn’t working, despite Rui’s talent.
The Lakers have a difficult LeBron James decision to make in the offseason. They can’t keep paying him $50-plus million per year. LBJ is clearly declining. His defense is part of the Lakers' problem. They could ride out this season and move on from LeBron, but it would be risky to waste a year of Luka Doncic’s prime.
The Los Angeles Lakers can’t have Rui Hachimura averaging less than ten points per game and contributing to an atrocious defense if they want to contend for the championship. His lack of production has played a key role in the team’s recent struggles. Changes must be made, and Hachimura’s expiring contract is easy to move. Sadly, Rui is playing his way out of town and leaving the Lakers with no other option.