**REPORT: Lakers Expected to Field Significant Trade Interest for Rui Hachimura This Offseason, per Khobi Price**

As the dust settles from another turbulent Los Angeles Lakers season, the franchise appears poised for yet another pivotal offseason. The stakes remain high for the purple and gold as they attempt to reshape the roster around aging superstar LeBron James and All-NBA big man Anthony Davis. Among the players potentially on the move is forward Rui Hachimura, who is reportedly expected to come up frequently in trade discussions, according to Khobi Price of the Orange County Register.

Hachimura, 26, has become an increasingly intriguing figure in the Lakers’ trade calculus. While he has demonstrated flashes of being a consistent scoring option and dependable defender, the team’s desire to tweak the supporting cast has made his contract and positional versatility especially appealing to rival teams. Sources around the league anticipate that Hachimura will be a hot commodity this offseason as Los Angeles gauges the market and explores potential roster upgrades.

Acquired from the Washington Wizards in January 2023, Hachimura quickly made his presence felt in Los Angeles. The Japanese forward provided a steady scoring punch and offered critical minutes off the bench and as a starter during the Lakers’ 2023 playoff run to the Western Conference Finals. That surge earned him a new three-year, $51 million contract with the Lakers in the summer of 2023—a deal that now provides both value and flexibility from a trade standpoint.

Hachimura averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during the 2024–25 regular season, shooting an efficient 49.5% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. His ability to knock down open shots, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, makes him a perfect modern forward. Yet, despite his solid numbers and occasional breakout games, the Lakers’ front office appears open to reshuffling its roster once again—and Hachimura may be one of the more attractive pieces they can leverage.

One of the key reasons Hachimura is expected to draw trade interest is the structure of his contract. With two years remaining at a manageable average salary of $17 million annually, he offers both production and cap flexibility. He isn’t tied down to a long-term albatross, and his deal is neither overly expensive nor expiring, striking a rare balance for teams seeking a legitimate contributor without long-term risk.

His age is another major factor. At 26, Hachimura is still in his athletic prime and theoretically hasn’t hit his ceiling. Several league insiders have noted that in the right system—perhaps one less dominated by ball-heavy superstars—he could thrive with a more expanded role.

Combine that with his size (6-foot-8, 230 pounds), solid defensive fundamentals, and improved shooting touch, and it becomes clear why general managers across the league are likely to check in with Rob Pelinka about his availability.

For the Lakers, the offseason conversation begins and ends with LeBron James. Now entering his 22nd NBA season, the 40-year-old James has yet to confirm whether he’ll exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season. Most around the league expect him to return, likely pushing the front office into win-now mode once again.

Anthony Davis remains under contract through 2028, giving the Lakers a cornerstone to build around. But with recurring questions surrounding D’Angelo Russell’s playoff performances, Austin Reaves’ long-term role, and the need for better two-way wings, Los Angeles is expected to be aggressive in trade talks.

That puts players like Hachimura in the spotlight. He may not be the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, but he could easily be included as a foundational piece in a package for a high-impact perimeter player—especially one that fits next to James and Davis more seamlessly.

If the Lakers choose to move Hachimura, several teams make sense as possible trade partners:

The Nets are in the midst of a transitional period after dealing away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. With a young core and cap space, they could be interested in acquiring a versatile forward like Hachimura to help stabilize their frontcourt. A deal involving Mikal Bridges or Dorian Finney-Smith—perhaps in a larger framework—could appeal to both sides.

Toronto is rebuilding on the fly, and Hachimura’s age and contract align well with their timeline. A swap involving Bruce Brown or other veteran assets could help the Lakers and Raptors reach common ground.

The Pacers have expressed interest in adding size and wing scoring around Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Rui Hachimura fits the mold, and Indiana has intriguing young assets and draft capital that might entice the Lakers.

Memphis dealt with a nightmarish 2024–25 season due to injuries but still has a promising core. Adding Hachimura to complement Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. could help stabilize their forward rotation.

Still in rebuild mode, Detroit needs reliable forwards who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Hachimura would fit next to Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren while helping guide the team back to respectability.

The irony of the Lakers’ current situation is that they’ve spent considerable time and money developing a group of young contributors, only to potentially package them for win-now pieces. Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and even Max Christie have become key parts of the Lakers’ identity over the past two seasons, but the relentless pressure to contend often trumps continuity in Los Angeles.

According to Khobi Price’s report, the Lakers aren’t actively shopping Hachimura, but they are very much open to discussions. That leaves the door wide open for offers—particularly those that could net a third star or significantly bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defense.

Hachimura’s impact also goes beyond box scores. As one of the few Japanese-born players in NBA history, he’s an international icon with a huge following. His marketability, professionalism, and work ethic have earned him respect inside the Lakers’ locker room and across the league.

Teammates have praised his quiet leadership and commitment to improvement, and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has often cited Hachimura’s ability to adapt to various roles as one of his most underrated attributes. Whether asked to start or come off the bench, guard wings or stretch fours, he’s handled every assignment with poise.

Still, the NBA is a business—and if the Lakers believe Hachimura can help them land a star or more ideal complementary pieces, that loyalty may not be enough to keep him in purple and gold.

As Los Angeles enters what could be a transformative offseason, the status of Rui Hachimura will be closely monitored. If LeBron James re-ups, the Lakers will likely push all-in once again, and players like Hachimura, Reaves, and Russell may be moved in the process. If LeBron departs or retires, the team could pivot toward a retool or mini-rebuild—though Davis’ presence complicates that scenario.

In either case, Hachimura represents one of the Lakers’ most appealing trade assets. He’s productive, durable, versatile, and still developing. Whether he’s ultimately moved or retained, his name will likely dominate headlines throughout the summer.

There’s no question that Rui Hachimura has grown into a dependable player for the Lakers over the past two seasons. His size, scoring ability, and defensive versatility give him immense value on the open market. But as Los Angeles continues to chase titles in the twilight of LeBron James’ legendary career, the front office is leaving no stone unturned.

According to Khobi Price, Hachimura will be a key figure in trade discussions this offseason. And while nothing is set in stone, it’s clear that the Lakers are prepared to make bold moves if it means extending their championship window—regardless of who may be on the move.

Whether Rui Hachimura remains a Laker by the start of next season or finds himself in a new city, one thing is certain: his NBA journey is far from over, and his name will be one to watch in what promises to be a chaotic and compelling offseason.