As always, there were plenty of rumors about what the Los Angeles Lakers may do before the deadline, something that Rui Hachimura has grown accustomed to over the past three years. He told ESPN, "With the Lakers, we get a lot of rumors. But a lot of times, those rumors are bull----."
In the week before the deadline, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the Lakers had "shown a willingness" (subscription required) to trade Hachimura.
Hachimura is in the final year of a three-year, $51 million contract he signed with LA, making him one of several players on the roster who are on expiring contracts. He is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but leading up to the deadline, he didn't know for certain where he'd finish the season.
The 28-year-old told ESPN that now that the Lakers know what their "group" is post-deadline, they're "ready for what's next." As in, the second half of the year. Los Angeles didn't make a splashy deadline move, although it's the No. 5 team in the conference, signaling that the front office is still looking ahead to the future, but that's not Hachimura's concern.
There is a sense of relief in knowing that you no longer have to deal with hearing about hypothetical trades or opening social media and seeing that your team discussed a trade involving your contract with another team. Unless you requested a trade or want out, you don't want to get that call from your agent. Hachimura didn't, although he's on an expiring, team-friendly deal.
Hachimura is used to the rumors that come with playing for the Lakers
He's averaging 12.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 51.1% from the field, 44.7% from three (tying his career best), and 73.5% from the line.
In the five games after the deadline and before the All-Star break, Hachimura averaged 14.2 points and four rebounds per game, shooting 59.6% from the field and 59% from three. Is that a coincidence? Maybe, but it also might have something to do with the deadline being in the rearview.
There is a sense of peace being able to look forward to what's ahead for you and your team, without worrying if you'll have to quickly pack your bags and move a couple of states away, or across the country.
Hachimura is still dealing with uncertainty about his future, given his contract status, but at least he can put his focus on doing what he can on both ends of the floor to try to help the Lakers make some noise in the postseason.