The Los Angeles Lakers are always in search of the right pieces to surround the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and one player who has proven to be an excellent fit next to them in the frontcourt is Rui Hachimura.
A big, physical forward, Hachimura has proven himself to be a solid starter next to LeBron and Davis with his offensive skillset and ability to stretch the floor, while also making improvements defensively. But with trade season lurking, all names are sure to appear in rumors and Hachimura is no different.
However, it sounds as if the Lakers would prefer for him to remain in purple and gold as, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the franchise views him as a longer-term piece whom they’d prefer to keep around:
“I think Rui is viewed as a longer-term piece.