LA Lakers have no intentions of trading $17M asset: Report (Image Source: Imagn)
The LA Lakers have the most buzz around them leading up to the trade deadline. After a 14-12 run through 26 games, the fans are eager to see what the front office does to upgrade the team amid glaring roster weaknesses that have held LA back. One of the players the fanbase has no issues moving on from is Rui Hachimura, who is owed $17 million this season.
Hachimura was a key piece for the team in their 2022-23 midseason turnaround, which saw the Lakers go from avoiding the lottery for a second consecutive year to finishing seventh and reaching the conference finals. Hachimura was exceptional in his second season, too.
However, his impact has faded this year. The LA Lakers fans believe that moving on from his contract could fetch them an upgrade in the frontcourt. However, according to NBA insider Jovan Buha, LA views the 6-foot-7 wing as a longer-term 'core piece.'
