Lakers reportedly view Rui Hachimura as long-term piece of roster
As trade season ramps up, Rui Hachimura could be someone who is not included in trade discussions by the Lakers.
With trade season officially here, the Lakers, once again, appear to be buyers looking for ways to improve their roster.
Even as a buyer, you have to have something you’re willing to part with, particularly with a Lakers side with a full roster and just a hair under the second tax apron.
No one is quite untouchable in the modern NBA, but Jovan Buha of The Athletic discussed on a live stream why Rui Hachimura getting moved before the trade deadline is unlikely to happen.
“I think Rui [Hachimura] is viewed as a longer-term piece. I don’t think that means they would not trade him, but I think when you look at, there are four midsize salaries that the Lakers can trade between now and Jan. 15. On Jan. 15, Max Christie becomes available, so then it becomes five, but between now and Jan. 15, the Lakers have four midsize salaries to trade. That’s Rui, D’Lo, Gabe [Vincent], and Vando. 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.”
In addition to Buha’s words, the team’s actions support this claim. Hachimura has started all 21 games he has played this season and is averaging the fourth-highest minutes played on the roster at 33 per game.
He’s averaging 12.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, making him one of the most dependable players on a team filled with inconsistent guys.
Buha went on to state that Redick trusts Hachimura to a degree that would make it difficult to move him unless the player returning was a high-caliber player.
“I do think JJ [Redick’s]... I wouldn’t say love of Rui, but fondness of Rui or trust in Rui makes him less likely to be traded, but I think for a guy like Cam Johnson, I think the Lakers would consider that.”
While the Lakers might view Hachimura as a long-term piece, you can also view someone else like that and make a deal. Brooklyn Net Cam Jonson is having a great season, averaging 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
He does a lot of what Hachimura does and would be considered by many as a potential upgrade. Still, it’s clear the team would only move Hachimura if they felt it would get them closer to title contention.
The Lakers must manage the few valuable assets they have not named LeBron James and Anthony Davis correctly.
Vice president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka has little room to maneuver, so whatever deal he makes has to be a step forward.
Overpaying with rotation players isn’t possible, so don’t be surprised if Hachimura remains in purple and gold unless a team falls in love with him and is willing to give up an elite player to acquire him.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.