The Los Angeles Lakers have been rewarded handsomely for two key investments in up-and-coming players. For all of their struggles related to the NBA Draft, the Lakers have found and signed starting-caliber contributors in 27-and-under wings Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Following the trade deadline activity that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, however, the clock is ticking for Hachimura to prove he can reach the next level.
Hachimura has been a valuable member of JJ Redick's rotation during the 2024-25 regular season. He's taken constructive criticism in stride and solidified his status as an efficient shooter who can crash the offensive glass, attack closeouts, finish above the rim, and defend at a respectable level.
The unfortunate reality of the business of the NBA, however, is that Hachimura's greatest value to the Lakers may be how tradable his contract is.
Hachimura is owed $17 million for the 2024-25 season and $18,259,259 for the 2025-26 campaign. One perspective might be that he's a cost-efficient talent who benefits Los Angeles' depth chart and salary table, but the other is that he might be the best asset Rob Pelinka has to trade for an impact player.
With this in mind, Hachimura is officially entering the most important months of his Lakers career as he looks to separate himself from those on the trade market as the impact player Redick needs.
Rui Hachimura has a chance to prove he's too important to trade
Hachimura has played well during his first season under Redick. He's appeared in 42 of the Lakers' 49 games, posting averages of 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 offensive boards, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 three-point field goals made per game on .504/.422/.772 shooting.
Hachimura is also playing a career-high 32.0 minutes per contest on a team that's 11 games clear of .500 and well on its way to a postseason appearance.
Beyond the individual numbers, the Lakers have benefited immensely from his presence on the court. He's helped set the tone for Los Angeles' energy levels on both ends of the floor, playing with an infectious intensity that seems to permeate the lineup.
It should thus come as no surprise that the Lakers are outscoring opponents by 2.4 points per 100 possessions with Hachimura on the court and are being outscored by 2.8 when he isn't.
The arrival of Dorian Finney-Smith, however, has created a question about which forward Los Angeles should prioritize moving forward. Perhaps they'll find a way to retain both, as well as Jarred Vanderbilt, opting to eat the cost of high-level perimeter depth.
An equally as likely outcome, however, is that Finney-Smith's player option and free agency eligibility will force the Lakers to decide who they prefer.
Hachimura will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and Finney-Smith could enter the same territory in either 2025 or the next summer. Having options along the wings is undeniably intriguing, especially with Doncic and Austin Reaves occupying the backcourt, and LeBron James over 40.
If Hachimura is going to secure a future in Los Angeles beyond the 2024-25 season, however, he'll need to establish himself as essential to the team's vision for Doncic's future.