Rui Hachimura: ‘I just want to be somewhere I can be happy’
When it comes to free agency this summer, a lot of the Los Angeles Lakers’ attention is focused on keeping starting guard Austin Reaves. However, also keeping forward Rui Hachimura is also a high priority.
He was acquired in a trade with the Washington Wizards in January, and although his play was up and down in the regular season, he shined brightly in the playoffs. In 16 playoff games, he averaged 12.2 points in 24.3 minutes a game while shooting 55.7 percent from the field and 48.7 percent from 3-point range.
He became the instant offense man Los Angeles didn’t have, not to mention a much-needed productive forward or wing other than LeBron James.
Hachimura will be a restricted free agent, and on ESPN’s “Hoop Streams” just prior to Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday, he said his time with the Lakers has been “good” but was also non-committal about his future.
Full quote from Rui pic.twitter.com/vataUVK78x
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) June 10, 2023
A recent report says the Japan native could command at least $15 million a year this summer in free agency.
