Photo: Los Angeles Lakers/X

Rui Hachimura is entering the final year before reaching free agency, giving him an opportunity to secure a long-term contract with the Lakers by delivering another strong performance this season, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic in a mailbag column.

While Los Angeles is intentionally preserving salary cap space for the summer of 2027, the team could ultimately determine that investing in Hachimura is worthwhile.

He has proven to be an efficient scorer, shooting over 50% from the field and above 40% from three-point range in each of his full seasons with the Lakers. Additionally, he demonstrated noticeable improvement on the defensive end last season.

Woike also notes that Hachimura could benefit from a full season alongside superstar Luka Doncic, suggesting that the chemistry and experience gained playing with a player of Doncic’s caliber might help Hachimura take his game – and his value to the team – to the next level.

He has played 6 seasons for the Wizards and Lakers. He has averaged 12.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 337 regular-season games.

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