Amid many changes for the Los Angeles Lakers, one insider says a valued contributor may not be back after this coming season—a belief that hinges on several factors.
Report: Next Season Could Be This Laker’s Last in LA
Jovan Buha: Lakers Unlikely to Offer Rui Hachimura an Extension
During a Thursday night livestream of his podcast, “Buha’s Block,” Jovan Buha said the Lakers may not offer Rui Hachimura an extension before the deadline hits in October.
“With the current intel I have, I do not expect Rui to be extended by the Lakers in the next six weeks. It’s certainly possible that something happens, but I would say most of what’s been out there is them wanting to keep the books clean and wanting to see whether he starts or whether he’s their sixth man and how the pieces fit this year.”
He added that given recent additions and several player options, the Lakers brass will face heavy decisions on who to keep, trade, or let walk in free agency. All of the team’s latest acquisitions signed two-year deals this summer, a strategy designed to keep them in play for a loaded 2027 free agent class.
Still, Buha says the Lakers remain “high” on Hachimura, but there is a “positional squeeze” and potential for “diminishing returns” as his role shifts next to Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton.
In 59 games (57 starts) last season, Hachimura averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 50.9% from the field, 41.3% from deep and 77% from the free-throw line. He went on to have one of the best (albeit short-lived) postseasons of his career, tying a career-high 14.8 points per game on 49% shooting from the field and 48% from three.
Hachimura’s Role in Flux
This summer has sparked plenty of conversations around Hachimura’s role heading into next season. While it would make sense for head coach JJ Redick to keep him as the incumbent starter, the prospect of replacing him with Marcus Smart seems too good to ignore.
Lakers’ expected starting 5 and backup unit next season, per sources:
Starters: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton
2nd unit: Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Jaxson Hayes pic.twitter.com/6UQUIp6NhF
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) August 14, 2025
Buha has previously pushed for Smart to enter the starting five, citing his improved defensive fit compared to Hachimura, who has often shifted down to guard wings as a natural power forward. He made that same point Thursday, highlighting Smart’s versatility.
“As constructed, if you have Ayton, LeBron, Rui, Austin, Luka, you are now putting Rui on the top wings and you are putting Austin on the top guards. And I think in either direction, that is not ideal. So I think if you start Marcus Smart for Rui, you put Marcus on the top guards or the top wings, and then Austin is the secondary guy or LeBron is the secondary guy in the frontcourt.“
Moving Hachimura to the bench would not only clear up an offensive logjam, but also enhance the second unit’s scoring. The Lakers’ reserves didn’t boast any scoring threats last season, finishing second-to-last in bench points per game (26.2) on .447/.344/.734 splits. Hachimura would give them a legitimate option on offense while allowing him to do more than knock down catch-and-shoot threes. His 6’8” frame, especially next to Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia, could be another bonus in terms of rebounding and defense.
Regardless of his role, the pressure is on for Hachimura as he enters a contract year with plenty to prove.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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