Despite being a constant name in the trade rumor mill, Los Angeles Lakers power forward Rui Hachimura may not be traded by the team, or at least not for now, as an NBA insider claims that he is currently viewed by the team as a “long-term piece.”
In one of his videos, NBA insider Jovan Buha shared his insight on what could be the fate of the Japanese Lakers player as the NBA trade deadline nears. While he doesn’t believe Hachimura is immune to a trade consideration, it would at least not be right now.
“I think Rui is viewed as a longer-term piece,” Buha said. “I don’t think that means they would not trade him, but I think when you look at [it], there are four midsize salaries that the Lakers can trade between now and January 15. On January 15, Max Christie becomes available, so then it becomes five.”
With multiple names from the team becoming available, Buha believes that Hachimura is more likely to stay and pay more for the team.
“But between now and January 15, the Lakers have four midsize salaries to trade. That’s Rui, [D’Angelo Russell], [Gabe Vincent], and [Jarred Vanderbilt]. I think among those four, the guy that they’d prefer to keep from that group would be Rui. That’s the guy that they view as the longest-term piece.”
Los Angeles Lakers Coach Shares Bronny James Development Update
LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, has been the subject of scrutiny and criticism since getting drafted as a rookie this season. However, as time went on, Bronny excelled in playing for the South Bay Lakers of the G League, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his positive insights on the development of the young player.
“I think where I see on-court progress is his decision-making with the basketball, the on-ball decisions both as a scorer and a playmaker,” Redick said. “We’re continuing to see the flashes of what we’re really excited about.”
Redick also shared how getting into “elite shape” has been one of the top goals the Lakers coaching team has given him, “so he can be a high-level impact player on the defensive end.”
“We’re excited about what he’s done over the last two games and looking forward to see what he does in the lineup,” Redick added.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been dethroned as the NBA Cup Champion. They lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the quarterfinals. Ultimately, the Milwaukee Bucks reigned as the 2024 NBA Cup Champion.
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