The 2022-23 season may have ended in disappointment for Rui Hachimura, but he certainly made a name for himself with some strong displays in the postseason.
The 25-year-old was on the court for an average of 24.3 MPG, during which he put up 12.2 PPG and 3.6 RPG while shooting 55.7% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the arc. His efforts will be rewarded with a significant payday in the offseason, as per NBA insider Jake Fischer.
“During extension conversations with the Wizards, sources said, Washington began the negotiations offering Hachimura around $12 million per season, and eventually moved into the $13 million-14 million range,” Fischer wrote. “Meanwhile, Hachimura’s side preferred something closer to a four-year, $60 million structure. He seemed destined for that number toward the end of the regular season. Los Angeles doesn’t surrender three second-round picks for Hachimura at the deadline without a rough understanding of his salary wishes. Following a strong playoffs, where the 24-year-old forward played critical closing minutes and started the Lakers’ final outing, that $15 million in average annual value seems like the floor for Hachimura.”
Hachimura was outstanding at the start of the series against the Memphis Grizzlies as he helped the Los Angeles Lakers seize control. He then didn’t play much of a role against the Golden State Warriors due to matchup issues but was back to playing big minutes against the Denver Nuggets. Not many would have predicted back in January when they traded for Hachimura that he’d turn into such a key piece for the Lakers, but to his credit, he has done just that.
Re-Signing Rui Hachimura Is One Of The Top Priorities For The Lakers
Hachimura called playing for the Lakers one of the best times of his life and would certainly love to be back, it seems. Multiple reports have indicated by now that re-signing him is one of the top priorities for the Lakers, with the other being to re-sign Austin Reaves.
They both played very well in the postseason, and while that was great for the Lakers, it also meant the price to keep them kept going higher. Considering they are the priorities though, you’d expect the Lakers to eventually get these two contracts sorted out.
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