Rui Hachimura agrees to three-year, $51 million with Lakers
Forward Rui Hachimura, a restricted free agent, has agreed to a 3-year, 51 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, Shams Charania was first with the news.
RFA Rui Hachimura has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to return to the Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023
Rui Hachimura was one of the most important role players during the Lakers’ Western Conference Finals run. Hachimura exploded for 6 15-point outings and 4 20-point outings during the Lakers’ playoff run. During the Lakers’ playoff run, Hachimura averaged 12 points per game and just under 4 rebounds per game on 24 minutes a night. Overall, Hachimura added much-needed size, shooting, and defense to a Lakers’ cast that was starved for good role players.
Hachimura was dealt at the trade deadline by Washington and a handful of second-round picks. It’s understandable why Washington would deal him for such a low price. His contract was expiring, and they are rebuilding and entering a new timeline of Wizards basketball. But since the trade, Hachimura’s price has gone up.
Outside of having some great scoring performances, Hachimura upped his efficiency in the playoffs. He went from being a 32 percent regular season 3-point shooter to a 48.7 percent 3-point shooter in the playoffs. He even upped his true shooting percentage by a staggering 10% from the regular season to the playoffs. He’s a great tough jump-shooter too. He knocked down his pull-up and fadeaway attempts at over a 50 percent clip last season.
Along with upping his scoring, Hachimura played a crucial role defensively for the Lakers. At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, Hachimura is agile enough to defend quicker wings, and strong enough to defend larger fours.
Hachimura isn’t a superstar by any means but has consistently proven he can be a valuable role player who steps up his game in the playoffs.
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