The Los Angeles Lakers are entering an offseason in which options are scarce for immediate improvement. Two selections at the 2024 NBA Draft could help long term, but with finite cap flexibility and a closing window on the Anthony Davis and LeBron James era, trades will be made.
Unfortunately, that means players who are currently on the roster could depart the organization in the coming weeks.
The Lakers have draft picks that can be traded and several players whose contracts may be appealing to a potential negotiating partner. It's hardly ideal to have to part ways with talent that could be of value, but it's the corner that Los Angeles has backed itself into.
With trades for the likes of Anthony Davis, Dennis Schröder, and Russell Westbrook costing the Lakers a surplus of draft picks and affordable contracts, the Lakers are devoid of depth.
As a result, several key Lakers from the 2023-24 roster could end up elsewhere as soon as next season. It's a disappointing reality to come to terms with, but it will soon set in as general manager Rob Pelinka looks to trade his way back to prosperity.
The simple question is: Which current Lakers are the most likely to be traded this offseason?
1. Rui Hachimura
Unfortunately, the most likely Lakers player to be traded this summer is starting forward Rui Hachimura. Hachimura was acquired in January of 2023, and overcame a tough regular season to play a featured role on the Los Angeles squad that reached the Western Conference Finals.
Hachimura appeared in all 16 games for the Lakers that postseason, averaging 12.2 points on an absurd slash line of .557/.487/.882.
In 2023-24, Hachimura moved into the starting lineup for 39 of his 68 appearances. He averaged 13.6 points per game overall, continuing to shoot efficiently at .537/.422/.739. Specific to his 39 starts, he shot the lights out at .575/.439/.727 while increasing his scoring to 15.4 points per contest.
Unfortunately, that has absolutely nothing to do with why Hachimura is the most likely Laker to be traded.
At $17 million, Hachimura has Los Angeles' second-highest guaranteed salary for the 2024-25 season, trailing only Anthony Davis. LeBron James could opt in at $51,415,938, but he won't be traded. D'Angelo Russell could opt in at $18,692,307, but he's yet to commit to a decision.
As such, the most likely outcome this offseason is that Hachimura's $17 million owed for the 2024-25 season will be utilized to help match salaries as the Lakers look to acquire an impact player.