LeBron James has yet to make his decision on his Lakers future. But while the NBA world waits, the franchise is already working through the roster implications of every possible outcome.
One of the most significant questions on the table involves a player who has been a reliable contributor in purple and gold for the last three seasons.
Jovan Buha Says Lakers Could Offload Rui Hachimura If LeBron James Stays
Hachimura just wrapped up his $51 million, three-year deal with Los Angeles. He is heading into unrestricted free agency this summer after averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game during the regular season and elevating his play in the playoffs, where he put up 17.5 points per game.
On paper, those are somewhat decent numbers for a role player. The issue is not what Hachimura does on the court. It is how he fits in a lineup where James is also taking up a roster spot and salary.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha laid out the case directly. “I think LeBron is going to have some impact on whether Rui is back,” Buha said, “because if you run it back with Luka, Austin, and LeBron as your three best players and your three starters, Rui does not fit as the fourth player in that lineup. We saw that last season.”
“That lineup with Rui and Ayton was one of the worst high-minute lineups in the league. So I think Rui could be the odd man out, especially if they keep LeBron,” Buha concluded.
It is hard to argue with the logic. The Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Their best lineups featured Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and James driving the offense.
When Hachimura and Deandre Ayton shared the floor alongside those three, the results were not up to par.
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The financial math makes it even more complicated. Hachimura’s cap hold heading into 2026-27 sits at over $27 million if the Lakers want to retain his Bird Rights. That is a significant number for a player who works best as a complementary piece.
None of that takes away from what Hachimura brought this postseason. He shot the ball at an elite level, posting a 17.5 scoring average in the playoffs. Although the Lakers were swept by OKC, Hachimura still managed to put up 21 and 25-point games in the last two outings.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes an answer on James’ future should come by the NBA Draft on June 22. If Buha’s prediction comes true, then Hachimura’s future in Los Angeles may be over.
