The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 season did not go as anticipated.
Because of Los Angeles’ obvious perimeter and frontcourt deficiencies, a championship was always going to be a long shot. However, a Western Conference Finals berth was not beyond the realm of possibility.
As we all know, however, things did not go as planned for the 17-time NBA champions, since the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated them in the second round of the playoffs. While the Lakers’ 4-0 series defeat to the reigning champions was disappointing, the postseason did provide one bright spot for the franchise.
Rui Hachimura was great from outside the arc, hitting 56. 9% in ten games with the Lakers. The Gonzaga graduate now has the greatest career three-point shooting percentage in the playoffs when trying 100 or more three-pointers (51. 6%). According to ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett, the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Memphis Grizzlies are the most likely candidates to steal Hachimura, who is set to become a free agency this summer, from Los Angeles.
The Lakers would most likely like to retain Hachimura in the mix this summer, given his outstanding emergence as a strong long-range shooting threat (he shot 29. 6% from beyond the arc in his first season with Los Angeles and has hit at least 41. 3% of his 3-pointers since).
However, it is doubtful that he will be a priority this summer, as the Lakers are working hard to retain Austin Reaves and other free players who they think favorably of.
The Pacers, Pelicans, and Grizzlies might benefit from Hachimura’s aid, since all three teams shot less than 36% from three-point range this season and need improve in that area in 2026-27 if they want to correct their mistakes.
If one thing is certain, it is that Hachimura’s future with the Lakers is uncertain.
