Oct 15, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) dribbles the ball up the court against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

'He’s Actually Underrated' – Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Offer $26 Million Per Year Contract to Former Lottery Pick

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 10:47 AM ET

Zach Lowe believes the Los Angeles Lakers should lock up Rui Hachimura to a new extension, in which he could earn up to $26 million annually. The former ninth overall pick is entering the final year of his current contract and has been eligible for an extension since July.

According to Lowe, Hachimura has been one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ most underrated players over the past few years for his versatility and three-point shooting.

“They can offer Rui Hachimura enough money to pique his interest,” Lowe said. “I think his extension would start somewhere around 26 million and go up from there based on his current salary. I think Rui Hachimura is good. I think he’s actually underrated.”

Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) dribbles the ball on Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Hachimura from the Washington Wizards back in January 2023. Hachimura has shot 42.2 percent from three-point land in 2023-24 and 41.3 percent in 2024-25, and to Lowe’s point, there aren’t too many players who have shot that well from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Lakers legend urges team to consider trading Austin Reaves

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Robert Horry thinks the team should trade Austin Reaves, who is soon to be a free agent, because he has a similar style of play to franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic.

Mar 29, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts with guard Luka Doncic (77) after a basket during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“If the Lakers are smart, they would do a sign-and-trade. And the reason I say that is because when you have a team with two players, who are pretty much the same, meaning Luka and AR,” Horry said on the Big Shot Bob Podcast.

“I’m not saying they have the same skill set, they play the same position, pretty much do the same thing — it’s a wash. Don’t get me wrong, I love AR, but you don’t need two of the same players,” he added.