Rui Hachimura is expected to leave, as the Lakers are aiming to sign a wing player and a big man this offseason.
As the NBA free agency is now in full swing, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of losing another critical piece.
Position
PF
Age
28
Height
203 cm
Weight
104 kg
Birth place
Toyama, Japan
Per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, there is already an expected and growing belief that the Lakers will lose Rui Hachimura this offseason.
“There is a corresponding (and growing) expectation that free agent forward Rui Hachimura will join James in exiting Tinseltown,” both insiders wrote.
Hachimura became an unrestricted free agent after completing the final year of his three-year, $51 million contract with the Lakers.
He averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game across 68 appearances.
The Lakers have already seen the exits of Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes and LeBron James.
Lakers looking to add wing, center this free agency
Accordingly, the Los Angeles Lakers have clear plans and targets on their mind after a flurry of signings made in this year’s free agency.
According to both Stein and Fischer, the Lakers are currently on the lookout for a wing defender and a big man.
“The Lakers, league sources say, are focused on adding a wing and another big man after Friday’s agreement with Washington to trade Deandre Ayton for the slightly less expensive Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks,” the report indicated.
With Deandre Ayton now gone, the Lakers have a significant roster spot to fill for a backup center around new franchise big Walker Kessler.
As such, Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as their prominent target who could fill that critical wing presence.
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