Lakers Front Office to Make Surprise Rui Hachimura Decision as Andrew Wiggins Trade Plan Collapses – Report

The next summer is going to be a challenging one for the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Purple & Gold has managed to build a competitive roster for the upcoming campaign, they’ll have several contract decisions looming over their heads once the season is over– from LeBron James to Austin Reaves and others, all could decide to take their talents elsewhere next year. And well, the upcoming season may have a lot of influence on the players the front office actually decides they want beyond the upcoming campaign.

Nonetheless, one player whom the NBA Insiders believe the Lakers should without a doubt hold on to isn’t someone called James or Reaves; instead, it’s Rui Hachimura. The Japanese forward pairs well with the franchise’s newest superstar, Luka Doncic, which makes him an indispensable asset for the future. NBA analyst Sam Amick recently said the same, urging the Lakers’ front office to change their plans.

That’s because when asked about whom he thinks is an underrated hooper who deserves an extension by Zach Lowe, Amick wasted no time in naming Hachimura as the top candidate. “You know, it seemed like it was a hard strategy of we’re not adding anything. It seemingly softened on that front recently with the idea that they would look at Andrew Wiggins and maybe go after a player like that. So, in that context, Rui Hachimura is an interesting guy because you know, he has given them the type of shooting they need,” he said.

Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“He’s a good fit with Luka. If you’re talking about the here and the now, and he’s on an $18.2 million expiring deal. He’s the kind of guy you would want to lock up. I don’t think something’s going to happen there, but it, you know, it’s interesting to me because they’re one of those teams that’s going to continue being conservative for the prospect of what might be down the line.” Amick further explained. So far, despite being in the final year of his three-year, $51 million deal, Rob Pelinka and Co. have yet to offer Hachimura an extension offer.

On the contrary, the 27-year-old’s name has popped up in several trade rumors throughout the summer. Nonetheless, Sam Amick believes that the Lakers should instead view Rui Hachimura as a player whom they want to keep around rather than trade or let him leave as a free agent next summer. That’s because the former Gonzaga standout was pretty solid last season, averaging 13.1 points while going 50.9 percent from the field and around 41.3 percent from the three-point line.

Hachimura has also improved his defense, and is the ideal complementary scoring forward who has shown the IQ to play alongside the likes of LeBron and Doncic consistently. Hachimura is a reliable scorer who has a range of offensive weapons in his arsenal, and has earned the fans’ trust by showing up with high intensity every game. The Lakers’ offensive system thrives off his presence because he emerges as an unlikely shooting target and leverages his movement to make opportunities for himself and others.

Not to mention, his pairing with Luka Doncic also seems pretty great. Doncic is a ball-dominant guard who consistently creates good looks for his teammates, something Hachimura thrives off. Although he just played 59 games last season due to injuries, there’s no doubt that when he’s healthy, the six-foot-eight forward is someone JJ Redick would love to have around. Nonetheless, while the chances of the Lakers offering Rui Hachimura a new deal look unlikely, if they were to it could also help them deal with the massive blow they’ve suffered in their pursuit of Miami’s Andrew Wiggins.

The Lakers’ pursuit of Andrew Wiggins faces a new roadblock

Although the Los Angeles Lakers have been reluctant to hand a new deal to Rui Hachimura, they’ve been actively looking for ways to land another forward, Andrew Wiggins. Throughout the last few weeks, the Purple & Gold have been rumored to be linked with the Miami Heat superstar as they aim to add more firepower to their ranks for the upcoming season. While there had been reports that Hachimura would be part of this deal, and that an agreement with Pat Riley could be met soon, it seems like the trade won’t go through.

Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Why? Well, according to Lakers Daily reporter Ashish Mathur, an NBA executive has revealed that the Heat president, given his history with LeBron James, won’t be trading Wiggins to L.A. “I would be stunned if Pat did this trade,” the executive said. “You really think Pat wants to help LeBron [James]? He’s still mad about LeBron leaving Miami. I don’t see it happening.” The executive believes that there’s still some unresolved animosity between the Godfather and King James, which makes a deal unlikely.

That’s a massive blow for the Lakers Nation, who were hoping to further improve their roster as they look to bounce back from what was a disappointing campaign for them last season. Wiggins is an elite defender who can also act as a volume scorer, especially for a team that already has the playmaking required for someone like Wiggins to thrive off. Last season, he averaged 19 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for the Heat while scoring at 53% from the field overall.

However, with the trade looking unlikely, the Lakers may as well be forced to look inwards, with Hachimura expected to feature more prominently than last campaign. However, will this prompt Rob Pelinka and Co. to eventually offer the 27-year-old an extension? We’ll have to wait and watch.

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