The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a season that began with high hopes heading into the postseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, one major flaw was exposed during the playoffs: their lack of size. Entering the offseason, the Lakers had one clear goal — to get Luka Dončić to commit to an extension.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Next in line for an extension is Austin Reaves. The undrafted star has made it clear that he wants to spend his entire career in Los Angeles, and now the Lakers appear to have a clear path to make that happen.
“Reaves will be a free agent. There is zero chance he is picking up his $14.9 million player option, even if he plans to stay with the Lakers. Reaves reportedly wants to be paid in the Tyler Herro range of $30 million a year (and Herro is a good comp in a lot of ways). If Reaves shows this season that he can be a high-level scorer next to Luka Dončić and can step up his game in the playoffs, the Lakers gladly will pay that much to keep him,” wrote NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin.
A surprising name who could be moved this season is Rui Hachimura.
“Hachimura's starting job is in jeopardy after he started 57 of the 59 games he played last season. Now that Marcus Smart is in LA, there has been speculation that he could start over Hachimura, which would be a confirmation of how the Lakers feel about Hachimura. Depending on how the first half of the season goes, Hachimura could be in trade discussions leading up to the deadline. By that point, the Lakers should have a clear idea of whether he can continue his future in LA. If the organization doesn't feel that way, they can get something in return for him, rather than letting him walk for nothing in free agency,” Lake Show Life’s Jordanna Clark wrote.
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Just a few years ago, Hachimura was the one on a playoff heater. Now, he’s in danger of being dealt. This is the harsh reality of the NBA business. Hachimura has struggled with consistency, and if Smart can fill the defensive role, Hachimura’s time in LA may be nearing its end. He was once a bright spot — but now, he’s simply an unknown.