Rui Hachimura signs three-year, $51M extension with Lakers
The Lakers re-signed forward Rui Hachimura to a three-year, $51 million contract extension on Thursday, solidifying one of their top priorities heading into the offseason.
Hachimura, at 25 years old, entered the offseason as a restricted free agent and showcased promising potential during the Lakers’ Western Conference run. In 16 games in the playoffs, Hachimura posted an impressive 12.2 points while shooting 48.7% from beyond the arc and 55.7% overall from the field on 8.2 attempts per game.
During the regular season, Hachimura averaged 9.6 points on 48.5% shooting and 29.6% from three in 33 games with the Lakers.
The Lakers offseason vision was to “keep our core of young guys together," as described by Rob Pelinka, the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, during the exit interviews. Pelinka’s objective was to construct a roster that could contend for championships beyond the post-LeBron James era, with a focus on the 2023–24 season and beyond.
Hachimura was acquired in late January at the trade deadline for Kendrick Nunn, who had an expiring contract, and three future second-round picks for the Japanese native.
The return of Hachimura brings the Lakers more depth and versatility in plug-in lineups for head coach Darvin Ham. Ham can use Hachimura’s mid-range ability and 6'8-length, 7'2 wingspan on defense to play small ball with LeBron and Anthony Davis on the floor, an essence of what we saw deep in the playoffs.
