The Lakers are losing bodies fast. And the next one out the door might be Rui Hachimura.
According to multiple reports, including one from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Hachimura is widely expected to leave Los Angeles in free agency. That news came alongside Luke Kennard signing a two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns earlier Tuesday. Kennard was one of the Lakers’ only consistent shooters, and now they’re staring at the loss of another key piece.
Hachimura averaged 11.5 points per game last season while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and a blistering 44.3 percent from three. In the playoffs, he took it up a notch: 17.5 points a game on 56.9 percent from deep. Those are legit numbers for a power forward who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions.
The Spurs have emerged as a serious suitor, sources said. There are other teams in the mix too, but San Antonio is pushing hard. It makes sense — they need shooting and size, and Hachimura is 26 with room to grow.
But here’s the thing: Los Angeles might already have a replacement lined up. Reports indicate the Lakers are expected to bring in Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Raptors forward who brings a similar skill set. He’s not a star, but he can space the floor, rebound a little, and play with energy. In theory, he fills the same role Hachimura did.
Still, that’s a downgrade. Hachimura was a difference-maker in the playoffs. Mamukelashvili is more of a rotation piece who hasn’t proven he can handle big minutes in high-leverage games.
This whole thing is happening fast. LeBron James is also expected to leave, which just adds to the chaos. The Lakers front office is trying to rebuild on the fly, but losing two starters in one night — three if you count Kennard — is tough to spin as a win.
For now, the Lakers are watching their supporting cast walk out the door. How they fill those holes will define their offseason.
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