NBA Rumors: LA Lakers keen on signing Rui Hachimura and could offer him $10 Million

NBA rumors suggest the LA Lakers are interested in extending forward Rui Hachimura. The Lakers signed the Japanese international before the trade deadline in a deal that sent Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the Washington Wizards.

Hachimura has been a solid addition to the team. The size, shooting and length he offers is what the Lakers were looking to improve on their roster. Hachimura is currently on an expiring rookie deal.

The Lakers will have the opportunity to re-sign him or match an offer sheet if he becomes a restricted free agent after they make a qualifying offer worth $8.4 million.

The Athletic's Jovan Buha has reported that the LA Lakers plan to offer him $10 million annually on a two- or three-year deal. Here's what Buha wrote (via Lakers All Day Everyday):

"I think the Lakers are going to try to retain him… I think something in that 2/20 or 3/30 (range)… and if he's looking for more … they might be willing to walk away. They were high enough on him to trade those three 2RP, and they want to keep him."

Rui Hachimura started his tenure as a starter alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the power forward position. After the Lakers added D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley at the trade deadline, Hachimura slotted into a bench role.

Hachimura has played 23.5 minutes per contest across 23 games, averaging 10.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg, shooting an efficient 48.1%, including a respectable 35.8% from 3-point range.

He has been impressive in his limited role. Hachimura is only 25, so he could be a solid investment for the LA Lakers, especially with his two-way ability and ever-improving game.

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LA Lakers should be able to retain Rui Hachimura on a $10 million-a-year deal

The LA Lakers will look to retain most of their current core this offseason. They have the cap space to sign a max player, but will likely invest in building a deep team by using that flexibility to sign young and efficient role players. They have a few on their roster already. Rui Hachimura is among them.

The 6-foot-9 forward has been an excellent addition, and there's not much to complain about in his game. Working with a player development coach like Phil Handy has been significant in his progress with the Lakers, and it's only going to improve.

Rui Hachimura has tremendous upside, but he isn't a bona fide star player yet. The $10 million deal per year offer seems like a viable contract for a player of his caliber at this stage. That's how much he may likely receive on the open market, especially from contending teams.

The LA Lakers would be an enticing option for him to continue his NBA journey with, keeping in mind the presence of players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Hachimura also seems to have adjusted well to his surroundings in LA, so there should be mutual interest in extending his stay in Hollywood.