Home / Sports / Lakers Grant Two of Three Luka Wishes
Lakers Grant Two of Three Luka Wishes
7 Jul
Summary
- Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves and traded for Walker Kessler.
- Lakers opted against bringing back Rui Hachimura.
- Hachimura will sign with the rival Clippers, not the Lakers.
The Lakers have addressed two of Luka Dončić's key offseason desires by securing Austin Reaves with a four-year contract and trading for and signing center Walker Kessler to a similar deal. These moves aimed to provide Dončić with desired teammates.
However, the team decided against re-signing forward Rui Hachimura, a player Dončić reportedly wanted to keep. Hachimura is now expected to sign a two-year contract with the crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers.
This decision to not fully accommodate Dončić's wishes may be influenced by recent internal dynamics regarding superstar input on roster construction. Basketball considerations regarding Hachimura's fit, such as his limitations in defense, rebounding, and athleticism, also played a role in the Lakers' choice to seek other wing options.
Despite not returning to the Lakers, Hachimura will remain in Los Angeles, continuing his career with the Clippers.
