Lakers News: Will LA Be Forced to Overpay Rui Hachimura to 'Run It Back?'

Will the young forward improve after a potential contract?

There is always a huge risk whenever you commit multiple years to a young talent that has not been able to consistently perform at the highest level. Rui Hachimura is one the most interesting restricted free agents hitting the market this summer and it's safe to say that he heated up at the perfect time.

The Los Angeles Lakers were in desperate need of some bench scoring when the playoffs rolled around as D'Angelo Russell's scoring fizzled down and Lonnie Walker IV fell out of the rotation Despite Hachimura being hit with some DNP’s as the regular season rolled around, he began to fit nicely in LA’s sixth man role and picked apart opposing defenses with an array of mid-range jumpers and easy cuts to the rim.

What’s Rui Hachimura’s ceiling? #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/yt18CgoGu6

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) June 25, 2023

Hachimura's potential max contract could have him making over $30 million in his first year of the new deal but his play will not lead to him getting that massive of an offer, even from opposing teams who may try to steal him from LA. It's more likely that he finds himself in the $15-$20 million per year range but the question is: Would that be considered an overpay for the 25-year-old forward?

Rui's best moments came in the playoffs and that's why he's considered a top priority for the purple and gold to bring back. He showed up on the biggest stage along with Austin Reaves, who could see up to $100 million these next few weeks, and averaged 12 points on 48% from three across 16 postseason games. He made it clear that he was here for business since game one of their first series against the Memphis Grizzlies where he poured in 29 points and helped LA steal a pivotal game one on the road.

Rui Hachimura decided not to play for Japan at FIBA World Cup so he has more time to train with Phil Handy this summer 👀 pic.twitter.com/qWBWPYtEE3

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 28, 2023

GM Rob Pelinka has made it very clear that the franchise wants to keep the main core while making a few small tweaks and Laker fans believe that this almost confirms that both Reaves and Hachimura will be back. The risk that LA will be taking by signing Hachimura to a bigger deal will be if he plays more like he did during the regular season... struggling to find a role on offense while not providing much security on defense.

But if he returns with the same fire and IQ that he was playing with in the postseason, you're talking about a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate if Jared Vanderbilt remains a starter over him. We will keep you updated as we know more!

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