Credit: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Zach Lowe says LA Lakers should strongly consider offering $26m extension to versatile star

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 7:16 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers will face a challenging summer next year with multiple contract decisions looming.

Several players have expiring contracts beyond just LeBron James, creating complex roster management scenarios.

Austin Reaves will have a player option next season and has been rumored as a potential departure candidate.

The Lakers also must decide on players like Gabe Vincent , Maxi Kleber, and also Rui Hachimura.

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Zach Lowe praises Rui Hachimura’s underrated value, believes he deserves a $26 million contract

NBA analyst Zach Lowe believes Hachimura deserves a $26 million per year contract based on his eligibility and production.

Lowe views the Japanese forward as an undervalued contributor who offers specific advantages.

“I think Rui Hachimura is good. I actually think he’s underrated,” Lowe stated.

Hachimura may or may not start next season, but Lowe believes he provides unique value to the Lakers’ system.

The forward shot 41.3% from three-point range last season while averaging 13.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, with his size adding additional versatility.

“I don’t know what if the answer to whatever problems the Lakers have, is less of a 40 percent-ish three-point shooter, with some one-on-one skills and some defensive versatility, playing around star players,” Lowe explained.

“I actually think there’s going to be some discussions on this one [an extension]. He’s an interesting candidate,” he added.

Andrew Wiggins pursuit could complicate Rui Hachimura’s Lakers future

However, Lowe also believes that cap flexibility concerns may prevent the Lakers from offering Hachimura a significant salary increase.

The franchise prioritizes maintaining financial flexibility for the 2027 offseason when stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic could become available.

Lowe’s podcast co-host Sam Amick revealed another factor that could negatively impact Hachimura’s situation: the Lakers’ interest in Andrew Wiggins.

The two-way wing represents the type of player Los Angeles seeks for their roster construction.

If the Lakers successfully acquire a Wiggins-type player, they might allow Hachimura to leave rather than invest significant money in his extension.

“If they end up with a swing and a miss on the Andrew Wiggins types, I could see them using some of that money on Rui and ‘let’s not go backwards here,'” Amick explained.

The situation creates uncertainty for both Hachimura and the Lakers as they balance immediate roster needs with long-term salary cap management and potential superstar pursuits in future summers.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: