The contract has not been renewed yet! What is the future of Hachimura Less at the Lakers?

Recently, the Lakers held a press conference for the new season, and then Pelinka talked about Hachimura.

When asked whether the Lakers were planning to negotiate a contract renewal with Hachimura, Pelinka said: "I think the most appropriate statement is that we have firm confidence in Hachimura. As usual, we will not publicly discuss the details of negotiations with players during the contract period, so I will not comment on this issue."

Pellinka's answer can be said to be very interesting, and she directly avoided the most critical question - if Doncic or Reeves was asked, it would probably be another statement.

For example, in April 2023, when Reeves faced a contract renewal, Pelinka's answer was: "We have a common will. This is the type of player you want. Team first, willing to sacrifice, and strong competitiveness. This is the DNA we like."

Let's talk about the situation of Hachimura Ei. He was traded to the Lakers in the 2022-23 season, and then signed a three-year, 51 million contract renewal with the Lakers in the 2023 offseason. This contract expires in 2026, with a remaining salary of 18.26 million yuan. According to the rules, Hachimura Ei can sign a four-year contract with a starting salary of about 25.56 million yuan.

However, unlike Reeves, who also has the qualification to renew early (rumored that the Lakers offered 89.1 million early contract renewal for 4 years and was rejected), you can hardly see any news about "The Lakers are interested in renewing Yamura Leaf" this summer. On the contrary, judging from their attitude towards James, the Lakers seem to have determined to focus on the summer of 2027.

So the question is, what is Yamura Lei's level now? What is his future for the Lakers?

Take last season for example. Hachimura played a total of 59 games for the Lakers, including 57 starts, averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 50.9%/41.3%/77.0% in three events, and a real shooting percentage of 61.9%.

Against the 2023-24 season, Hachimura's performance was: playing in 68 games, starting in 39 games, averaging 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, shooting percentage of 53.7%/42.2%/73.9% in three events, and a real shooting percentage of 62.8%.

You can see that Yamura's three-point performance has been excellent in the past two years. He averaged 1.7 three-pointers career highs last season, and his three-point shooting percentage reached 42%, which is higher than 89% of the forwards in the league. This is also his biggest advantage at this stage. As long as he is short or misses defense, he can make his opponent pay the price.

In addition, Hachimura also has certain misplaced singles ability. He ended well in the inside and mid-range. Last season, Hachimura made a total of 31 of 62 shots, with a shooting percentage of 50%; 5 feet at the basket was 224 shots, with a shooting percentage of 66.5%.

For a forward line like Hachimura Sei may have a limited upper limit, but it is still very popular in today's era. He has both balls and can consume the ball rights and help the team's core share the offensive pressure. It is absolutely fine to be the fourth scorer of a team.

Of course, his shortcomings are also quite obvious. His horizontal movement is average and his defense is not good. He can match the forward line with a slow position but a body shape, but he cannot match the more flexible players, whether it is a guard or a forward, and Hachimura Jue cannot move to the fifth position, and it is not good to serve as the frame guard and rebound in the fourth position. Overall, he is a player with strong offense and weak defense.

Let's take a look at Hachimura's position as the Lakers. Last season, he started stably, averaged 31.7 minutes per game, the highest in his career, but in the new season, Hachimura's playing time and role will face many challenges.

First of all, Ayton came, and James was there again at the fourth position, so Hachimura Lesen could only play in the third position if he wanted to start, but the competition in the third position was not small, mainly Laravia was there. Even if he was a substitute, Vanderbilt was still on the front line, and Smart would take some time away.

Regarding the question of whether he started or substitute, Hachimura also answered on Media Day: "It doesn't matter whether he starts or substitutes, it ultimately depends on the coach. In my opinion, playing time is more important. I have been the starting season for several seasons and have established a tacit understanding with other players in the team." - In the contract year, it is inevitable to want more playing time. It can be imagined that this will definitely bring some challenges to Redick's rotation.

Pure personal point of view, Hachimura should be worth between 15 million and 20 million. He is a good rotation with singles, three-pointers, and able to play around the stars, but his style does not seem to be in line with the Lakers.

The team built with Doncic as the core is best for players on the front line who have better defense than offense and can shoot three-pointers (such as Washington). Hachimura Jue has three-point ability, but his defense is not qualified, which may be the main reason why the Lakers do not want to renew their contract.

In order not to let Hachimura leave for nothing, there is a huge possibility that he will be traded next season. After all, now the Lakers lineup, he has an expiration contract, which is relatively substitutable and has a certain transaction value.

The fact is that any trading rumors involving the Lakers this offseason can basically not escape Hachimura (and Knector). Not long ago, there were rumors that Hachimura + Knector + first round Wiggins were replaced not long ago.

For Hachimura, the upcoming new season will definitely be full of challenges. It is estimated that it can be seen from the first 10-20 games that Hachimura will get how much playing time and whether it will be traded. Let's wait and see.