There has been no public movement toward a contract extension for Rui Hachimura this summer, and now, there is legitimate chatter that Marcus Smart could start over him next season. Whether intentional or not, the message seems fairly clear from the Los Angeles Lakers: Hachimura is not untouchable, and his future with the franchise is anything but guaranteed.
That reality may surprise some fans, considering Hachimura’s strong stretches in the 2024-25 season. He shot the ball well, played physical defense, and retained a consistent spot in the rotation. But entering a contract year without any sign of extension talks is usually not a great omen, and the growing speculation around Smart’s potential role in the starting lineup makes things even more complicated.