Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has established his position as an integral member of the rotation. While being a key role player, however, the forward has also been viewed as a valuable trade asset, especially given his expiring contract status. On this note, Lakers insider Anthony Irwin examined what a potential extension deal would look like on “Lakers Mailbag” if the Lakers choose to retain him.

While discussing the challenges associated with offering multi-year deals to role players, Irwin shed light on a potential Hachimura extension offer, saying:

“If you can extend Rui with a three-year, $60 million contract total, the cap is going up. $20 million a year for Rui seems pretty manageable. He hasn’t had any absolutely crippling-type injuries that you have to worry about. That’s an extremely manageable contract there.”

“But teams still don’t want to sign guys to three or four-year contracts because those are the types of deals that nobody wants to trade for, even if they are for players that teams kind of like.”

Irwin emphasized how the current CBA dictates the way teams approach this situation, as they prioritize handing out new contracts over offering extensions. While examining the Lakers’ situation, with Doncic’s contract extension and Reaves’ upcoming one, Irwin restructured his approach to Hachimura’s potential extension and said:

“I would probably say he probably signs for $25-28 million a year whenever that next contract comes along.”

Irwin noted that the fact that there hadn’t been any conversations on the matter was worth acknowledging, pointing to the Lakers’ plans for maintaining cap flexibility heading into next summer and the summer of 2027. Given the Lakers’ plans to sign a superstar in free agency, the insider presented the case for Hachimura not receiving any extension offers just yet.

Should The Lakers Retain Rui Hachimura?

Rui Hachimura has been one of the team’s most consistent performers over the last few seasons. While being a solid offensive player, capitalizing on his strong perimeter shooting skills and midrange game, the 27-year-old has also demonstrated a lot of promise as a defensive player, particularly against big men.

Hachimura’s two-way potential has been immensely valuable in the Lakers’ lineup. When factoring this in with his durability, the forward is undoubtedly a major piece in the Lakers’ puzzle.

Last season, Hachimura recorded an average of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds, on shooting splits of 50.9% from the field, 41.3% from three-point range, and 77.0% from the free-throw line. These are impressive figures for a third or fourth option on offense.

Given his flexibility as a role player and his overall capabilities, the 27-year-old may have more value for the Lakers if they choose to retain him.

Hachimura’s current contract is valued at $18.2 million, making him a key trade piece. As beneficial as it would be for the team to keep him as a piece for the future, given the sheer number of trade rumors he has been mentioned in this offseason, the Purple and Gold may consider leveraging him to cultivate roster strength.