Latest news with #RuiHachimura
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers predicted to trade for 1x All-Star, NBA champion to pair with Luka Doncic
Lakers predicted to trade for 1x All-Star, NBA champion to pair with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News Will the Los Angeles Lakers start next season with their current roster? They've already made some big free agency signings this offseason, but that doesn't mean they are done making big moves. The Lakers could still use some defensive help on the wing. That's why some Lakers trade rumors have the team targeting athletic wings to put next to Luka in the starting lineup. One perfect Lakers trade target is Andrew Wiggins. He is a proven NBA champion and can help the Lakers immensely on both sides of the ball. He has already shown he can play second fiddle to a superstar and showed Luka himself just how formidable he can be on the defensive end. Ryan Shea of Sports Illustrated proposed on Lakers trade idea that would get Wiggins to LA. 'Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2 Future first-round picks Wiggins is a former Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and NBA champion. He would provide much-needed veteran experience for a Lakers team that is looking to contend for a title in the 2025-2026 NBA season. LA also trades Hachimura a year before he potentially walks in free agency ahead of the 2026-2027 season. Could Wiggins really team up with the guy who put on a poster a few years ago?' Even though the Lakers would have to send two picks to get this deal done, they should consider it. Wiggins would fit perfectly in the Lakers' projected lineup for next season. He can guard the other team's best player while also being the third featured scorer in the Lakers' offense. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp This would be the ideal role for Wiggins. He shines when he isn't given too much offensive responsibility. The Lakers could provide the perfect situation for him to shine and help contribute to another championship run. More NBA: Lakers could trade 20-point-per-game scorer for two Finals-tested young players
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers predicted to trade Rui Hachimura, picks for elite 17 point-per-game 6th man
Lakers predicted to trade Rui Hachimura, picks for elite 17 point-per-game 6th man originally appeared on The Sporting News The Los Angeles Lakers are pretty satisfied with their current roster. The Lakers' free agency moves sured up a few of their lineup gaps, and they are entering next season revamped and ready to compete for a championship. Still, Lakers trade rumors persist, as the Lakers' front office has indicated they won't be satisfied until the roster is perfect. One gap on the Lakers roster, however, is a ball-handling guard. Luka Doncic will take most of those duties, but having a sixth man who can help run the offense would be a nice addition. One Lakers trade idea would land the team a perfect player to fill that gap. The proposed Lakers trade looks like this:Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Malik Monk Sacramento Kings Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick, 2032 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick Malik Monk would be a great addition to the Lakers' roster. However, giving up their first-round pick and Rui Hachimura to get him might be a difficult pill to swallow. Hachimura helps give the Lakers some much needed defense and size, the two main things Monk lacks. The real sticker here is giving up the 2031 first-round pick. There are going to be a ton of players interested in joining the Lakers in the upcoming years. With Luka Doncic locked in for the foreseeable future, the Lakers project to be contenders for a while. That's why holding onto that 2031 first-round pick is so important. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp If a bigger name wants to join Luka in LA, the Lakers may need to use that pick to sweeten a potential trade package. That's why we don't love this Lakers trade idea. While Monk would be a nice fit, he isn't worth getting rid of Rui's skillset and some of the team's best trade assets. More NBA: LeBron's reaction to Luka's contract shows feelings about his teammate have changed
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Trade Idea Sees Lakers Land 17.2 PPG Shooting Guard
NBA Trade Idea Sees Lakers Land 17.2 PPG Shooting Guard originally appeared on Fadeaway World. A new trade proposal circulating in NBA circles suggests the Los Angeles Lakers could bring back a familiar face, Malik Monk, in exchange for forward Rui Hachimura and future draft picks. The deal would send Monk to Los Angeles while Sacramento would receive Hachimura, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick from the Lakers. Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Malik Monk Sacramento Kings Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick, 2032 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick On paper, the numbers line up. Monk is entering the second year of his four-year, $77.9 million contract, which pays him $18.7 million in 2025-26, nearly identical to Rui Hachimura's $18.2 million salary. From a cap standpoint, the trade is feasible. But the implications stretch beyond just money. Monk, who averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game last season while shooting 43.9% from the field and 32.5% from deep, has established himself as one of the league's premier scoring threats off the bench. His ability to create his own shot, break down defenses, and catch fire as a microwave scorer could be a major asset to the Lakers, who are building around Luka Doncic and still holding onto LeBron James for what might be his final run. However, the Lakers already possess a crowded backcourt rotation with Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Bronny James, and Gabe Vincent. Adding Monk could boost their offensive firepower but it would also demand another reshuffling of their guard-heavy roster. From Sacramento's standpoint, the interest lies in moving off Monk's contract. The Kings have explored ways to free up financial flexibility and had previously offered Monk in a sign-and-trade deal to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, a deal that ultimately fell apart when Golden State backed out. With the Kings still shopping Monk, flipping him for an expiring contract like Rui's makes sense. Rui Hachimura is coming off an efficient season where he averaged 13.3 points per game, albeit in a limited sample size, on a scorching 50.9% shooting from the floor and 41.3% from three. Hachimura remains a versatile, physically gifted forward who could help Sacramento as a rotational piece or trade chip next season before his deal expires. Yet for the Lakers, the long-term consequences of this deal could create complications. Monk's deal runs through the 2027-28 season, and the Lakers have over $111 million in expiring contracts coming off the books next summer. Their front office has carefully positioned themselves to be players in the 2026 free agency sweepstakes. Taking on Monk's salary beyond 2026 would eat into that flexibility. Unless Monk performs at near All-Star level, the Lakers would be sacrificing future cap space for short-term bench scoring. In essence, this deal presents a classic front office dilemma, immediate firepower versus long-term cap freedom. If Rob Pelinka believes Malik Monk can push the Lakers into championship contention with Luka and LeBron still leading the charge, the move makes sense. But if 2026 remains the target for a third superstar, this trade may be too costly in the long story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Have $111.5 Million In Expiring Contracts And 5 First Round Picks; Plenty Of Assets For Potential Trade
Lakers Have $111.5 Million In Expiring Contracts And 5 First Round Picks; Plenty Of Assets For Potential Trade originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant offseason moves to strengthen their roster, with their recent additions doing a splendid job of bolstering the rotation. While the team has indicated that it will make necessary trades to bring in reinforcements, many have argued that the Lakers lack the assets to do so. This may not be the case. Although their war chest of picks has been depleted significantly, they still possess five first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032) along with one second-round pick in 2032. Of these, the Lakers can trade the 2031 and 2032 first-round picks, since the remaining picks collide with outgoing first-rounders. In this regard, their five round picks could be viewed as pick swaps, which may be appealing to some teams. This doesn't fully reflect the value of the assets the Lakers possess on their salary sheet. With an abundance of expiring contracts, along with pending player options next summer, L.A. could see a significantly clearer salary sheet, which aligns with their plans for 2026. With this in mind, let's take a look at the cumulative value of the Lakers' expiring contracts this year. List of Lakers' Expiring Contracts (by value): LeBron James - $52.6 million Rui Hachimura - $18.2 million Austin Reaves (Player Option) - $14.8 million Gabe Vincent - $11.5 million Maxi Kleber - $11.0 million Jaxson Hayes - $3.4 million Total: $111.5 million, including Austin Reaves (he will most likely decline player option next summer) After combining these figures, the Lakers will see roughly $96.7 million coming off the books next summer. While this is a large sum already, when factoring in the likelihood of Austin Reaves declining his player option to test free agency, the Lakers could free up an additional $14.8 million. This brings the total tally up to a whopping $111.5 million in free cap space. The benefit of an expiring contract lies in the amount of cap space it can free up in the following season. Many rebuilding teams tend to trade for expiring contracts so they can create salary space to sign valuable free agents. Reports have indicated that the Lakers have similar plans, targeting the free-agent markets of 2026 and 2027 to make a big splash. Although the 2026 class of free agents doesn't necessarily have the best crop of stars, the 2027 class could be one to look out for. In the current scenario, the Lakers can still make trades to strengthen their roster. Several players have emerged as potential targets in this regard. From defensive stalwarts like Jrue Holiday to star-caliber big men like Bam Adebayo, the Purple and Gold have enough expiring contracts to facilitate a trade, while also possessing valuable draft capital to sweeten the deal. Reaves has garnered a lot of interest in the trade market. At 27 years old, he is an extremely capable guard, coming off a solid season of averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Recent rumors have suggested that if the Lakers can't retain him next season, they may consider trading him to get some value for him while they can. It is abundantly clear that the Lakers will continue building their roster around their superstar Luka Doncic, as the team has effectively switched to his timeline this offseason. At 26 years old, Doncic promises to be one of the best players in the league for a long time to come. There are growing expectations that he will sign his extension with the team as well. Considering his commitment and ongoing recruitment efforts, the franchise appears to have secured its future. The decision to pivot from LeBron James has undoubtedly had an impact on the team as a whole, but the consensus suggests that the 40-year-old superstar will be with the team for training camp. Given the kind of roster the Lakers have managed to put together, they are poised to be competitive in the Western Conference. Although they may be a few pieces short of being considered a title contender, the organization could simply be biding its time before making a move, effectively signaling that they may be preparing for a major trade before the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3-Team Trade Idea Sends Kessler And Kuminga To Lakers, Warriors Add Hachimura And New Centers
3-Team Trade Idea Sends Kessler And Kuminga To Lakers, Warriors Add Hachimura And New Centers originally appeared on Fadeaway World. We can imagine a three-team blockbuster coming together that could see the Los Angeles Lakers land two of the league's most intriguing young talents, while the Golden State Warriors reload with frontcourt versatility and the Utah Jazz fortify their future draft firepower. Advertisement While specifics will be discussed more below, we suggest that Los Angeles acquire Jonathan Kuminga and Walker Kessler, two budding stars with All-Star upside, alongside the steady Chris Boucher. Meanwhile, Golden State reportedly gains a rugged two-way wing in Rui Hachimura, the stretch-big Maxi Kleber, and Duke draft gem Kyle Filipowski. And Utah? They'd emerge from this deal with Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, and a pair of prime first-round picks as early as 2028 and 2031. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Walker Kessler, Chris Boucher Golden State Warriors Receive: Rui Hachimura, Kyle Filipowski, Maxi Kleber Utah Jazz Receive: Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, 2028 first-round pick (GSW), 2031 first-round pick (LAL) At its core, the trade could change basketball in the Western Conference: the Lakers chase athleticism and length, the Warriors shore up spacing and shot creation, and the Jazz double down on youth and assets. But with restricted free agents in the mix and the Jazz notoriously protective of their core, especially Kessler, expect sharp negotiations if this deal were to commence. Advertisement Stay tuned: the talking points about draft capital, salary structure, and fit could fuel heated punditry for weeks. With this proposed trade idea, let's break down how it could play out for each team involved. Los Angeles Lakers Complete A Haul To Win The Western Conference Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesCredit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images The Lakers, already a powerhouse, would turbocharge their championship odds with the addition of Jonathan Kuminga and Walker Kessler. Kuminga brings a dynamic 15.3 PPG on 45.4% shooting, showcasing growth in the playoffs with four 20-plus point games behind 48.4 FG% and 40% 3PT . His versatility across wing and forward spots fits seamlessly alongside LeBron and Luka, giving L.A. athleticism and scoring punch off the bench. Walker Kessler towers as one of the league's premier rim protectors, averaging 12.2 RPG (5th in NBA) and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting a stunning 66.3% . Advertisement His interior defense would anchor the Lakers, particularly vital come playoff time when paint dominance matters most. And with established spacing threats, Kessler's presence would force opponents into uncomfortable interior matchups. Let's not overlook Chris Boucher (10.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG); his 3-and-D skill set adds veteran depth. He stretches the floor and brings playoff familiarity, an underrated luxury for title contenders. For the Lakers, this trio isn't just a trade; it's a strategic chess move aimed squarely at reclaiming Western Conference supremacy. Golden State Warriors Add Size To Their Frontcourt Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) dribbles the ball on Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) during the first quarter at Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Golden State addresses its Achilles heel, contested two-man lineups and interior mismatches, by landing Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Kyle Filipowski. Hachimura injected toughness last season, averaging 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, with the Lakers, and consistently defended elite wings. He brings rugged mid-post spacing at a position of need. Advertisement Maxi Kleber (while undrafted) provides deadly shooting and size, spacing the floor with 35.4% 3PT for his career at 6'10", and is playoff-tested. Filipowski, though young, averaged 9.6 PPG and 6.1 RPG with Duke efficiency and is poised to make the leap to a stretch big role. His 35% shooting on 1.1 threes made per game hints at a steady rotation piece. This trio reframes the Warriors' frontcourt, melding spacing and toughness with the Curry-Podziemski backcourt. It's a solid rebalance, inside coverage meets outside threat. For Golden State, the long-bellied roster transformation comes just in time to combat rising contenders. Utah Jazz Continue Their Rebuild Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) shoots for three during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Utah leans into youth with the acquisition of Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, and two hefty first-round selections (2028 from GSW, 2031 from LAL). Moody, at 23, flashed 9.8 PPG flashes last season with elite athleticism and defense upside. Knecht, their draft gem, averaged 9.1 PPG last season (on 37.6% 3-PT FG) and projects as a modern combo guard with backcourt promise. Advertisement Their king move is asset stacking, picking up Utah's already formidable haul of draft currency. The 2028 Warriors pick likely falls in the mid-teens, while the 2031 Lakers pick represents an unprotected golden ticket. That kind of future flexibility fuels rebuild momentum. On-court, they shed wings (Hachimura, Moody swap places) to solidify cap flexibility and timeline clarity. It's a classic tank-to-pay-off blueprint: gather youth, draft dreams, and smart reversibility. The Jazz are resetting, full tilt. A Blockbuster Trade Idea: But Are The Lakers The Biggest Winners? Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) react after a play during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images In this deal, the Lakers grab flexibility and star power; the Warriors plug frontcourt leaks; the Jazz double down on future riches. But let's ask, are the Lakers truly the big winners? Advertisement Their haul is immediate and top-heavy. Kuminga could blossom into a 20 PPG wing with All-NBA upside, and Kessler might become a defensive anchor, giving MVPs another layer of protection. That's championship-level balance. Yet, Golden State's pivot realigns them with size and spacing, no longer a shooting-heavy, fragile lineup. If they maximize Hachimura's consistency and Kleber/Filipowski thrive, the Warriors could sneak back into contender status. Meanwhile, the Jazz's long game might be the biggest sleeper; they're metamorphosing into true draft land, ready to pounce on future trade or draft opportunities. In short: the Lakers get the splash, Warriors get solidity, Jazz get tomorrow, everyone wins, but let the headlines decide who truly struck gold. The Lakers would become the team to beat in the Western Conference, and it is by a clear margin, with two starting-caliber players joining up with LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves. Related: Lakers Eye Defensive Boost in Potential Trade Idea With Trail Blazers This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
