Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Expected to Lose Another Key Free Agent

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Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Expected to Lose Another Key Free Agent

LeBron James is still the biggest name on the free-agent market after parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, with multiple teams waiting for clarity on where the 41-year-old will play next.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are doing their own roster rebuilding around Luka Dončić, but recent reports indicate they could lose free agent Rui Hachimura.

Insiders Hint Rui Hachimura Could Follow LeBron James Out of Los Angeles​

As Hachimura remains unsigned, league insiders speculated on the pathways for the Lakers franchise to free up enough salary space for a better offer.

However, in Marc Stein and Jake Fischer’s newsletter on Saturday, the chances of Hachimura being on the Lakers roster next season are looking slim.

“There is a corresponding (and growing) expectation that free agent forward Rui Hachimura will join James in exiting Tinseltown,” the report mentioned.

Hachimura established himself as an efficient floor spacer last season, averaging 11.5 points while shooting 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from three-point range.

He took on a larger offensive role in the absence of Dončić and Austin Reaves, averaging 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 56.9% from beyond the arc during the playoffs, stepping up big time.

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The Japanese forward began his NBA career with the Washington Wizards before joining the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Lakers currently have little financial flexibility for Hachimura, who made $18.3 million last year.

As he explores free agency, Hachimura’s representativeshave reportedly been in contact with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors.

Minnesota could be an ideal spot, especially after Julius Randle and Naz Reid’s exits, and Hachimura’s arrival would boost the Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball lineup.

Golden State has also become an interesting destination, where he’d be sharing the locker room with a core led by Stephen Curry.

Stein and Fischer also reported that the Lakers could shift their focus to Jonathan Kuminga, but completing such a move would not be easy.

“The Lakers, league sources say, are focused on adding a wing and another big man after Friday’s agreement with Washington to trade Deandre Ayton…” the report asserted. “And a good bit of that focus, sources say, has involved Kuminga.”

“Yet it remained unclear as of Saturday morning just how quickly Kuminga’s future can be resolved, given the ongoing LeBron Sweepstakes.”

“The Cavaliers, for example, are known to be interested in the 23-year-old – with Kenny Atkinson, in particular, said to be a fan after coaching Kuminga in Golden State as an assistant to Steve Kerr – but they are naturally hoping for more time to allow James’ process to play out.”

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If Los Angeles ultimately lands Kuminga, it would continue the franchise’s shift toward younger personnel, as he is nearly five years younger than Hachimura.

However, Stein and Fischer noted that the Atlanta Hawks remain open to either re-signing Kuminga or completing a sign-and-trade, while the Milwaukee Bucks have also expressed interest in acquiring the Congolese.

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