With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are exploring opportunities to make some changes to their roster. Once considered untouchable, forward Rui Hachimura may now be on the trading block—but only if an All-Star-caliber player becomes available.
Hachimura's Season Performance is Inconsistent
Hachimura started the season playing well, but his form has recently dipped. He is averaging 11.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting a solid 48.4% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc. While Hachimura has been a good scorer, his defensive lapses have detracted from his overall value to the Lakers.
Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus wrote that the Lakers could change their mind if Hachimura is traded for an All-Star player.
Regarding aggregation, my words are usually taken out of context. For instance, if the Lakers were offered an All-Star for, say, Rui Hachimura, they'd likely consider it. But would they throw him in a deal for a lesser role player just cause to match salary? Nah
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 7, 2025
The arrival of Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets also changes everything. One of the league's premiere 3-and-D guys, Finney-Smith gives the Lakers a great bump in perimeter shooting and the defensive upside needed in so many areas Hachimura couldn't contribute more consistently in his own right.
Can Hachimura Lose His Starting Spot?
Lakers head coach JJ Redick is reportedly considering replacing Hachimura in the starting lineup with Finney-Smith. This move would improve the team's defensive capabilities and provide additional rim protection alongside Anthony Davis without sacrificing three-point shooting.
This change shows the Lakers' intent to prioritize defensive depth over Hachimura's scoring potential. There could be a different reason—we just never know.
Which All-Stars Could the Lakers Pursue?
According to sources, the Lakers are only interested in trading Hachimura for a big-name All-Star. However, this is difficult to do with the team having very little flexibility on the salary cap due to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Fadeaway World reports.
Potential trade options include:
- De'Aaron Fox: The Sacramento Kings frustrated guard would be perfect for the Lakers as he has elite playmaking and scoring abilities.
- Zach LaVine: The Chicago Bulls star, a Klutch Sports client, shares ties with LeBron James, making him a realistic option.
- Trae Young: Rumors suggest the Atlanta Hawks point guard is unhappy, opening the door for a potential blockbuster deal.
- Jimmy Butler: Although costly, Butler would bring invaluable leadership and playoff experience to the Lakers.
While names like Bradley Beal have surfaced, the Lakers appear to be hesitant to chase players whose acquisition would weaken roster depth, as was the case with the Phoenix Suns' 2023 trade for Beal.
The Lakers still have until Feb. 6 to make serious changes to the roster. Assuming nothing happens to land an All-Star, it's likely Rui Hachimura will stay, but his role and future here might depend on how he performs with the emergence of players such as Finney-Smith.
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