2023 NBA Free Agency: Rui Hachimura staying with the LA Lakers after agreeing to 3-year, $51 million deal
Rui Hachimura will remain part of the LA Lakers for the next three years after reportedly agreeing to a new $51 million contract. Hachimura was a restricted free agent and could have signed any offer sheet that the Lakers can match.
Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported that the Lakers are bringing back Hachimura to a three-year, $51 million contract. It is a well-deserved deal for the Japanese star, who was acquired by the Lakers midway through last season from the Washington Wizards.
RFA Rui Hachimura has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to return to the Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
Rui Hachimura played 33 games for the LA Lakers, averaging 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. He primarily came off the bench but was very effective in shooting the ball at 48.5%. He will need to continue working on his 3-point shot and has committed to preparing for next season.
Hachimura decided to skip the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which was going to be held in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. He cited focusing on his NBA career and making sure his body was right as the reasons for not participating in the tournament:
"I have decided to skip this year's FIBA World Cup," Hachimura said in a statement. "All apologies for the disappointing news to the fans who were looking forward to the World Cup.
It was a very difficult decision but after the season and a long playoffs, and with my first free agency ahead of me, I made this decision in the best interests of my future NBA career. This summer, I hope to focus on the training and getting my body ready for next season."
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LA Lakers had a busy first day of free agency
The LA Lakers have been active on the first day of free agency. The Lakers' first signing of the summer was Taurean Prince, who signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract. They were also close to signing Bruce Brown but the Indiana Pacers offered more money.
The Lakers then brought Gabe Vincent and gave him a three-year, $33 million deal. The Rui Hachimura deal followed and it seems like the Lakers are not done yet. Cam Reddish was signed to a two-year deal after a couple of seasons of being linked to the team.
They will also need to re-sign Austin Reaves and add several more pieces to solidify their roster. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the Lakers are going to bring back Reaves, as well as D'Angelo Russell.
Furthermore, the Lakers have two more veteran's minimum contracts to offer to free agents.
After their last two signings (Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish), the Lakers have enough room to bring both Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell back as well as sign two more veteran’s minimum free agents. They clearly need at least one more big.
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