The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025 NBA offseason with a clear mandate: retool the roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic to return to championship contention. Following a second consecutive first-round playoff exit that exposed specific roster needs, general manager Rob Pelinka has signaled changes ahead, fueling speculation about potential trades and free agency moves.
Among the players whose futures are uncertain is forward Rui Hachimura. Despite a solid season, Hachimura’s name has surfaced in trade rumors as the Lakers explore options to strengthen their lineup. This is primarily due to Hachimura’s expiring $18.3 million salary that can be used to facilitate a deal.
Last week, it was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show that James is expected to opt-in to the final year of his contract. This would leave the Lakers paying him $52.6 million next season, further limiting their avenues for roster building.
Amid this news, ESPN’s Bobby Marks gave an update on the what the Lakers can do this offseason. During Tuesday’s segment of Get Up, Marks said the Lakers are expected to be aggressive, especially given James’ contract situation.
“I expect them to be extremely aggressive this offseason,” Marks said of the Lakers. “Especially with LeBron likely going into – you know, he’s got one year left on his contract. [The Lakers] have got to take advantage of the $60 million expiring contracts when you’re certainly looking at players like Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura.”
While there had been some buzz that James may opt-out and take a pay-cut next season to help the Lakers gain more financial flexibility, that does not appear to be the case. This may leave Los Angeles turning to its other expiring contracts, like Hachimura’s, to facilitate necessary offseason moves.
Hachimura is entering the final year of a three-year $51 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 2023. Since joining the Lakers, he has been a reliable contributor, averaging 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 40.2% from three-point range. His performance has demonstrated his value, but the team’s pressing need for a starting center and overall roster enhancement may necessitate difficult decisions.
