4 Lakers on Thin Ice With Shocking Coaching News
By Cem Yolbulan
2. Rui Hachimura
Even though there has been reporting that the Lakers are counting on Hurley to help develop players like Hachimura, there isn't much to work with here. Hachimura is turning 27 next season and doesn't have much higher upside than what he's shown so far.
Hachimura is a fine rotation-level player. He can shoot a little, score from mid-range, and play average defense. At his size, he is a valuable player. He is just not worth the $17 million he is owed next season.
If Hurley's hiring means focusing on player development, then the Lakers should trade Hachimura for younger players. If the goal is to win under Hurley, then the Lakers should still trade him, but in exchange for better veterans.
A championship contender simply can't afford to be paying players of Hachimura's caliber starter money. He is better suited as a bench player. The Lakers should hope that a team treats him as a positive-value contract so that they can get something of value in return. This will give Dan Hurley another trade asset to get someone who would fit better in his system.