Is "Playoff Rui" Changing How the Lakers Have to Approach Free Agency?
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of Rui Hachimura's playoff performance on the Lakers' free agency strategy.
When analysts note the big plans for LA's upcoming offseason, it's often in the context of opening up large amounts of cap space for Rob Pelinka and Co. to fill with a host of players that complement Luka Dončić. When people talk about maximizing the amount of money available, it means chucking virtually everything that can be tossed overboard. That's all the expiring contracts, and maybe some dead weight on the roster. Of course, every player that they cut ties with must be replaced in one way or another. The problem becomes figuring out whether the players available are better than the guys in house. Not so tough with stars, but role players? That's tricky. Take Rui Hachimura. For the last three seasons, he's been solidly above 40 percent from 3-point range. In the playoffs, he consistently elevates his shooting, to the point he's got the best 3-point percentage in NBA postseason history. Rui also has a nifty, and useful, midrange game, and some athleticism that has benefitted LA. Of course, Rui also is a lousy rebounder, and dishes about eight assists a year. His defense is improving, but will never be confused for some DPOY candidate out there. He makes about $19 million, and…
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