The Los Angeles Lakers made a blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook just a few years ago, cutting ties with nearly all of their depth.
For the Lakers and Rob Pelinka, hopefully, that gave him the blueprint of what not to do moving forward.
That doesn’t mean that if a star becomes available, the Lakers shouldn’t go after said player, but they also have to ensure that they have a decent supporting cast around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially when LeBron James decides to hang them up.
One of those players who needs to stay around is Rui Hachimura, who has really been a bright spot for Los Angeles with James and Doncic out for some of the year.
James has yet to appear in a game, and Doncic has missed multiple to start the season.
This year, he’s been one of the best role players in the NBA, averaging 16.0 points and shooting a ridiculous 51.1% from 3-point range.
He’s set himself up to get paid handsomely, and according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, he could be in line for a massive extension worth $114.5 million over four seasons.
"For a Lakers roster featuring Reaves, Doncic and James, Hachimura has been a constant this season. He is one of three Lakers (Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia the others) to play in all nine games and is the only Laker to start in every game…
"And thanks in part to Hachimura’s defense — most notably his knack for defending 3-point shooters — the Lakers are allowing the second-lowest field goal percentage on shots outside 25 feet… Hachimura is eligible to sign a four-year, $114.5 million extension up until June 30," he wrote.
About $115 million would be a lot to play for a player of Hachimura’s caliber, but that’s the going rate for above-average role players in the NBA.
The Lakers will obviously have to consider the second-apron situation and all the challenges it brings in the NBA. Still, they also want to ensure that they're in a position to contend for a title with Doncic on the roster.
For all the latest on the Lakers and NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.