Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals is in the books, meaning the offseason is one step closer to arriving. The Los Angeles Lakers have a busy summer ahead of them after a blink-and-you'll-miss-it playoff performance, leaving it up to general manager Rob Pelinka to make moves that will put his team back into the championship conversation.
With limited cap space this summer, the trade market will be the Lakers' best shot at adding a needle-moving helper to play alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Several names have already been listed as potential trade candidates this offseason, including a forward who might not survive the month in L.A.
June Will Be Rui Hachimura's Last Month With Lakers
When it comes to this summer's potential trade candidates, Rui Hachimura is near the top of the list. The veteran Lakers forward is set to carry an $18.2 million cap hit in the final season of his contract, making him an attractive trade piece for a partner who isn't looking for a long-term commitment.
Hachimura has been an important part of the Lakers' lineup after being acquired from the Washington Wizards during the 2022-23 season. He was Los Angeles' fourth option during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and .509/.413/.770 shooting splits in 59 games (57 starts).
Although that was a solid performance, the Lakers could be looking to move on from Hachimura for a few reasons. For starters, it doesn't make sense to hold onto him for too long if the front office isn't planning to re-sign him once his contract expires. It's better to get something for him this summer rather than nothing in 2026 free agency.
On top of that, Hachimura's injury history is another reason the Lakers might be open to a split. The former Gonzaga product has yet to hit the 70-game mark since being drafted, and has missed 37 games in the last two seasons alone.
Hachimura has stepped up in big moments, but he's also left Lakers fans wanting more. He has a knack for disappearing for stretches, proven by his scoring single-digit point totals in 20 of his appearances (33.9%).
Having said that, Hachimura's stock is potentially at an all-time high after scoring 23 points in each of his last two playoff games. The Lakers should capitalize on his value before it's too late because history indicates that he'll struggle to maintain that level of production.
As much as some Lakers fans would love to keep Hachimura in town, cutting ties with the veteran combo forward is necessary to help get back into the championship mix. If GM Pelinka gets an offer that's too tempting to turn down, it might not be long before Hachimura is given a one-way ticket out of L.A.