No! Goodbye, Rui Hachimura! Unbelievable, the Lakers have completely fallen apart.

Reporter Fischer: The Lakers had no intention of keeping Rui Hachimura, and his tenure with the Purple and Gold may be over.

Renowned Lakers media outlet Lakers All Day Everyday: The Lakers have informed Hachimura that they will not renew his contract.

U.S. media Pickuphoop commented: It’s hard to imagine any team winning a playoff series and then immediately letting go of all its starters.

In the first round of this year’s NBA playoffs in the Western Conference, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 4-2. The starting lineup for that series was LeBron James (free agent), Marcus Smart (signed with Rockets), Luke Kennard (signed with Suns), Rui Hachimura (free agent), and Deandre Ayton (traded to Wizards).

Rui Hachimura was born on February 8, 1998. He is a forward standing 2.03 meters tall with a 2.18-meter wingspan. He was the ninth overall pick in the 2019 draft. In the 2025-26 season, he earned $18.31 million. His stats are as follows:

In the regular season, he played 68 games (41 starts), averaging 28.3 minutes per game, contributing 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from three. In the playoffs, he played 10 games (all starts), averaging 38.6 minutes per game, scoring an impressive 17.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, with a field goal percentage of 54.9% and hitting 3.3 three-pointers per game at a 56.9% clip.

This guy’s performance, especially in the playoffs last season, was so outstanding. How could the Lakers have no plans to keep him? Where is the logic? It’s truly baffling.

If this place doesn’t want him, there are plenty of others that will.

Reporter Sidery: The Timberwolves have already contacted Rui Hachimura’s agent and expressed strong interest. Reporter Stein: The Warriors have reached out to Hachimura’s camp in free agency.

To be honest, going to the Timberwolves would be the best option for Hachimura, because they happen to need a starting power forward. Of course, this is contingent on the salary meeting his demands. As a free agent in the prime of his basketball career, the first priority in choosing a new team is undoubtedly money.

Oh, and there are reports that the Timberwolves are also interested in taking on LeBron James, whom the Lakers don’t want either.

As everyone knows, Hachimura and LeBron have a very close relationship. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for them to team up again on a different team.