Latest news with #RobPelinka
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rui Hachimura's Lakers Future Gets Update After LeBron James News
Rui Hachimura's Lakers Future Gets Update After LeBron James News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025 NBA offseason with a clear mandate: retool the roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic to return to championship contention. Following a second consecutive first-round playoff exit that exposed specific roster needs, general manager Rob Pelinka has signaled changes ahead, fueling speculation about potential trades and free agency moves. Advertisement Among the players whose futures are uncertain is forward Rui Hachimura. Despite a solid season, Hachimura's name has surfaced in trade rumors as the Lakers explore options to strengthen their lineup. This is primarily due to Hachimura's expiring $18.3 million salary that can be used to facilitate a deal. Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5).Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Last week, it was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show that James is expected to opt-in to the final year of his contract. This would leave the Lakers paying him $52.6 million next season, further limiting their avenues for roster building. Amid this news, ESPN's Bobby Marks gave an update on the what the Lakers can do this offseason. During Tuesday's segment of Get Up, Marks said the Lakers are expected to be aggressive, especially given James' contract situation. Advertisement "I expect them to be extremely aggressive this offseason," Marks said of the Lakers. "Especially with LeBron likely going into - you know, he's got one year left on his contract. [The Lakers] have got to take advantage of the $60 million expiring contracts when you're certainly looking at players like Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura." While there had been some buzz that James may opt-out and take a pay-cut next season to help the Lakers gain more financial flexibility, that does not appear to be the case. This may leave Los Angeles turning to its other expiring contracts, like Hachimura's, to facilitate necessary offseason moves. Hachimura is entering the final year of a three-year $51 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 2023. Since joining the Lakers, he has been a reliable contributor, averaging 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 40.2% from three-point range. His performance has demonstrated his value, but the team's pressing need for a starting center and overall roster enhancement may necessitate difficult decisions. Advertisement Related: Ja Morant's Gesture Toward LeBron James Turns Heads on Tuesday Related: Luka Doncic Sends Austin Reaves Message After Lakers Trade Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Lakers' Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emerge
Mar 31, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) drives for a shot against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports The post NBA rumors: Lakers' Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emerge appeared first on ClutchPoints. Finding a starting-caliber center to pair with Luka Doncic will be the Los Angeles Lakers' top priority this summer. After trading Anthony Davis, Rob Pelinka's squad was left with a gaping hole at the position during the second half of the season. Despite this, the Lakers aren't expected to include Austin Reaves, their top trade asset, in a deal for a big man, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement 'The team has shown no interest in using Reaves in a trade that nets them anything less than a top-tier big, and there really aren't any of those available, with the two most common names linked to them in the earliest stages of the offseason — Brooklyn's Nic Claxton and Dallas' Daniel Gafford,' Woike said. Reaves is coming off a breakout season during which he averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists on 46/38/88 shooting splits. He, Darius Garland and Jamal Murray were the NBA's only players to average 20-plus points and five-plus assists on such splits or better. It's understandable why the Lakers won't include Reaves in a deal for Claxton or Gafford, both of whom are solid players but fall well short of star status. But do they have enough to swing a deal for either big man while holding onto him? Can Lakers acquire Nic Claxton or Daniel Gafford with Austin Reaves off the table? Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The answer will ultimately depend on how the Nets and Mavericks value the Lakers' distant draft picks. Advertisement With Reaves off the table, Los Angeles' offer for Claxton or Gafford would likely center on their 2031 first-round pick, Dalton Knecht and expiring salary fillers such as Gabe Vincent and/or Maxi Kleber. They could also include a 2030 first-round pick swap. That's not a terrible package on the surface. However, the Lakers have made the playoffs in 38 of the last 49 seasons, a poor sign for teams betting against their future outlook. Knecht showed flashes early this season. However, he was a 24-year-old rookie who ultimately couldn't crack the Lakers' rotation and was traded at the deadline for Mark Williams in a deal that was later rescinded. Claxton is coming off a down year after signing a four-year, $97 million contract last summer. However, he was among the NBA's top defensive centers over the prior two seasons and would provide a high-level lob threat alongside Doncic. The 26-year-old has three years left on a reasonable contract that will pay him below 14 percent of the salary cap in its final two years. Advertisement Gafford had another productive campaign with the Mavericks in 2023-24, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game. The 26-year-old shot 70.2 percent from the field, the NBA's second-highest mark among players to attempt over four shots per game, behind only Jarrett Allen. However, the Mavericks have a crowded frontcourt that already features Davis and Dereck Lively. Gafford is in the final year of his contract, potentially adding to Dallas' urgency to find a trade partner. The NBA trade market will gain clarity in the lead-up to the draft and free agency. Los Angeles' pursuit of its starting center will be a main storyline to monitor. Related: Shaquille O'Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe Bryant Related: Lakers' LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with callout
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Insider Reveals Lakers Could Move Key Piece in Offseason Trade
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the offseason with more work to do. After trading for Luka Doncic, the team looked good, but the playoffs showed that they need a lot more help. In that playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers had no answer defensively. They lost in five games, which leaves a lot of questions for Rob Pelinka to answer. Pelinka will have to get creative to make the moves necessary to win a championship. Part of that creativeness may be having to deal away key pieces on the current roster. One name to keep an eye on could be forward Rui Hachimura. General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2024 in El Segundo, California. General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2024 in El Segundo, California. Photo byAccording to a report from Khobi Price of the Orange County Register, Hachimura is a name to keep an eye on as the offseason approaches. Read more: Lakers' Bronny James Among NBA's Elite in One Unique Category "In 2025-26, Hachimura will be on the last season of a three-year, $51 million contract he signed with the Lakers during the 2023 offseason," Price wrote. "With an $18.3 million salary for next season that is part of an expiring deal, and it being evident that he's still rounding out his game and developing, Hachimura will likely come up in offseason trade buzz as the Lakers look to upgrade their roster after back-to-back first-round playoff exits." Throughout the course of the 2024-25 NBA season, Hachimura continued showing signs of development. He dealt with some injury issues during the year, but still put up great production. Hachimura played in 59 games with 57 of them being starts. He averaged 13.1 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from three-point range. Read more: Reggie Miller Under Fire From NBA Fans After Pacers-Knicks Game 1 At just 27 years old, Hachimura would be a coveted target on the trade market if he is made available by Los Angeles. One of the big needs for the Lakers this offseason will be finding a new starting center. Mark Williams was acquired ahead of the deadline, but the deal was rescinded due to an issue with his physical. Los Angeles needs rim protection and rebounding from whoever it brings in at center. Keeping Hachimura would be the clear preference for the Lakers, but if it takes moving him to make an upgrade, it's something they'll have to consider. For more Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Rui Hachimura Trade Report After Lakers' Loss to Timberwolves
The Los Angeles Lakers concluded the 2024-25 NBA season with a 50-32 record, finishing as the third seed in the Western Conference. However, their postseason run was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. In the aftermath of the early playoff exit, head coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for the team to get into "championship shape" during the offseason, highlighting areas for improvement in conditioning and overall performance. General manager Rob Pelinka echoed this sentiment, indicating that the front office would explore all options to upgrade the roster, particularly focusing on adding size to the frontcourt. Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Amid these anticipated roster changes, forward Rui Hachimura has emerged as a player teams may target in trades. According to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, Hachimura's development this season has increased his value, making him an intriguing asset for teams seeking to improve their lineup. Advertisement "With an $18.3 million salary for next season that's part of an expiring deal, and it being evident that he's still rounding out his game and developing, Hachimura will likely come up in offseason trade buzz as the Lakers look to upgrade their roster after back-to-back first-round playoff exits," Price reported in his article. Hachimura, who was named a starter by Redick at the beginning of the season, delivered a well-rounded performance throughout the year. His contributions in shooting, rebounding, and defense were significant for a team that lacked depth on the wing. Despite an impressive season where he avaeraged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, Hachimura's future with the team remains uncertain. While his growth and performance have been commendable, the organization's commitment to reshaping the roster for championship contention may lead to difficult decisions regarding the 27-year-old veteran. Advertisement Related: Dwight Howard Sends Nikola Jokic Message After MVP News Related: Luka Doncic Makes Major Change After Lakers' Loss to Timberwolves
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
So far for the Lakers, it's been status quo in the offseason
Lakers coach JJ Redick, left, and basketball executive Rob Pelinka enter an offseason with questions about the roster, including who will be the team's next big man. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) One year ago, the seats at the bar and the tables near the coffee shop inside the Marriott Marquis hotel and the seats and concourse in the adjoining Wintrust Arena were filled with people wondering what in the hell was going to be next for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team had fired its coach, Darvin Ham, after a second consecutive first-round playoff loss to Denver and rumors were everywhere that the team had zeroed in on broadcaster JJ Redick. At the same time, LeBron James, his wife Savannah and their security team filed into the stands to watch Bronny James try to earn a spot in the NBA draft. Advertisement They were an inescapable topic of conversation, their position at the center of the NBA's universe certainly annoying to the other 29 teams but inarguable. This year, though, under those same roofs, the Lakers haven't been the main event. They took their turn in the spotlight earlier this year when they traded for Luka Doncic. They've got their coach in Redick and Rob Pelinka has a promotion and a contract extension. By NBA standards, they're operating fairly status quo. This week at the NBA draft combine in Chicago, people have buzzed about the 2025 draft class led by Duke's Cooper Flagg, the kind of sure-thing prospect that eliminates any suspense. Winning the lottery, termed by multiple people as an 'all-time' crazy one, could help undo some of the goodwill the Mavericks surrendered when they dealt Doncic to the Lakers. Advertisement Read more: Will the Lakers try to trade Austin Reaves? Not so fast There's been a lot of speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future in Milwaukee and where Kevin Durant will land, assuming his time in Phoenix is over. People have started to speculate how Boston will approach a season without Jayson Tatum and the ripple effects of that. But it's the Lakers and something will eventually break through. When people have wanted to gossip, they've pointed to the Lakers' strength and conditioning job posting that somehow carried an ESPN segment on 'Get Up' earlier this week. (According to people with knowledge of the situation, the team routinely posts jobs like this on LinkedIn and TeamWork online and did so last summer when they were hiring an assistant strength and conditioning coach.) Advertisement The method of the job posting, more than anything else, caught some people in Chicago off-guard — 'We'd never post a job like that,' one rival team executive said — most people have lost the general thread, which is the Lakers trying to reimagine their strength and conditioning program. The Lakers and strength coach Ed Streit parted ways last week, people with knowledge of the situation told The Times. Streit, a well-liked presence in the organization, joined the team in 2019 as an assistant strength coach and earned a promotion in 2021. Following the season, though, Redick said he felt the team needed to be in 'championship shape' next season. The Lakers' two biggest stars, like most, work with their own strength and medical teams. Whoever joins the Lakers' staff will be leaned on to help the rest of the roster, most notably Austin Reaves, who is set for free agency next summer and in line for a massive raise. A new voice around the weight room could jolt the team as it tries to get to a different level with conditioning. Advertisement Read more: Lakers moving forward: What we learned from the exit interviews People, including the Lakers' scouts and executives here in Chicago, have openly spoke about the team's needs at the center position — an obvious priority for Pelinka and Redick. The team has shown no interest in using Reaves in a trade that nets them anything less than a top-tier big, and there really aren't any of those available, with the two most common names linked to them in the earliest stages of the offseason — Brooklyn's Nic Claxton and Dallas' Daniel Gafford. Neither is a lock for a variety of reasons. In Claxton, the Lakers would have the prototypical rim-protecting, lob-catching center that's tailor-made for Doncic. Claxton's due more than $66 million over the next three seasons and is two years removed from his most impactful stretch as a pro when he averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks on a league-best 70.5% shooting from the field. This season in 70 games, those numbers dipped to 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and j1.4 blocks with 56.3% shooting. Advertisement An optimistic read on the situation would point to the Nets' losing as a reason for his dip in production. A pessimist would point to his narrow frame (just 215 pounds), the two straight years in which his numbers have slumped and the high salary. Gafford, we know, is a surefire Doncic fit because of their time together in Dallas. He's about to enter the final year of his deal and plays on a roster with Dereck Lively and Anthony Davis, making it unlikely that there's more cash headed his way from the Mavericks. The trouble, of course, is that people around the NBA wonder how it would look if Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison engaged Pelinka and the Lakers on another trade after the last deal between the teams was so unpopular that it caused protests. All-Star guard Luka Doncic (77) and the Lakers need a big man with the departure of Anthony Davis in the trade. Will Austin Reaves or Dorian Finney-Smith be traded to acquire one? (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) According to rival scouts and executives, the Lakers best' assets (minus Reaves) are their 2031 first-round pick, second year wing Dalton Knecht and a bunch of expiring contracts. Some combination of them would be a must in any deal the team would make for a center. Advertisement The free-agency options, like the in-season trade options, are considered to be pretty lean. Indiana center Myles Turner is set to be a free agent, but he was already out of the Lakers' price range before the Pacers' current run to the Eastern Conference finals. Brook Lopez is 37 and already had a one-year stint with the Lakers before leaving to play his best basketball elsewhere. Clint Capela could be an option depending on how the market reacts, but there are questions around the league about whether he's still a full-time starter. Jaxson Hayes, who started for the Lakers this season, is also a free agent, but the Lakers clearly had their doubts with him when they decided to bench him in the playoffs. You can assume that some bridges would need to be rebuilt if that were an option. Another possibility or two could develop on draft night depending on how teams value this group of young bigs. A player such as Duke's Khaman Maluach could be viewed as too good to pass up even if a team has a center on the roster, and that could create an opportunity for a player to unexpectedly hit the trade market. Otherwise, the Lakers are looking for what every team in the NBA is looking for — versatility, toughness, athleticism and shooting. Advertisement Those markets are slowly starting to develop behind the scenes as agents meet with teams and as teams build out their offseason free-agency boards now that lottery has been settled. The Lakers are working on all of this too. Just this time, it's not what everyone is talking about. Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
