Latest news with #Hachimura
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Insider gives update on rumored Lakers-Jazz trade talks
According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have already started trade discussions lately, even though the NBA Finals haven't ended yet. One beat reporter for the Utah Jazz said they have had discussions with the Jazz about both center Walker Kessler and forward John Collins. While Kessler could be the ideal player to plug L.A.'s massive hole at the 5 spot, Collins could be a questionable fit. While he can play the 3 and the 5 positions, he's primarily a power forward. L.A. already has LeBron James, whose primary position these days is power forward, as well as Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt to play at that spot. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have offered Hachimura to Utah for Collins. He also reported that many in the organization like the idea of having Collins on the roster. Via ClutchPoints: "Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers say that internally, they have long been fans of John Collins, who has the ability to stretch the floor both as a deep threat or someone who can finish well above the rim," Irwin wrote. "Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Doncic. Since their season ended, they've held a few conversations with the Utah Jazz to try to land the 27-year-old big man, with Rui Hachimura often the centerpiece of the deal." The writer also noted that there is a possibility L.A. lands both Collins and Kessler. "The Lakers have also remained interested in Walker Kessler and will likely remain as such until the end of time, so another possibility some around the league are wondering about is if a bigger deal involving Collins and Kessler could be in the works. Issue there is the Lakers' lack of draft capital, as sources have indicated the price for Kessler is still quite high." Additionally, Irwin wrote that the decision of whether to swap Hachimura for Collins or keep Hachimura isn't a simple one for the Lakers' front office. "A Collins-Hachimura swap would feel like a bit of a side-step for both Utah and L.A. as the players are so similar. They're both big wings who primarily guard power forwards and space the floor. Hachimura is a little smaller and thus can move his feet better on the perimeter, but Collins' size helps him rebound more consistently. Collins' abilities as a vertical threat have made him a little more popular to some in the Lakers organization. "This isn't to say Hachimura doesn't have his share of favorable voices in the Lakers offices. He has improved each season he's been in the organization. He was one of the few players who truly competed in that fifth and final game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's willingly played out of position at times and done so without complaint. The Lakers truly do value what he brings to the table. Those who prefer Collins do so because of the improved fit." Collins, who is 6-foot-9 and 226 pounds, averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks a game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 39.9% from the field this season. He has a $26.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could acquire $60 million Boston Celtics star in a blockbuster deal to improve championship odds; Rui Hachimura key trade asset?
LeBron James and Alex Caruso in Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Nathaniel S. Butler/ Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers ' early playoff exit has sparked speculation about major roster changes. One surprising possibility involves forward Rui Hachimura and Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics. Why the Boston Celtics Might Target Rui Hachimura The Boston Celtics could see Hachimura as a cost-effective solution. His expiring contract offers flexibility, making him an appealing trade target. Lake Show Life's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk broke down the potential move: "This is a tricky one. The Boston Celtics are known to desire shedding salary, projecting them as sellers for this offseason. Perhaps with Jayson Tatum missing due to injury, and a vacant forward spot in the starting lineup, the Celtics would view Hachimura's expiring deal as the right fit." (H/t: Sporting News) Key reasons Boston may pursue Hachimura: - Reliable scoring (13.1 PPG, 50.9% FG this season) - Floor-spacing ability (41.3% from three) - Financial flexibility with his expiring contract What the Los Angeles Lakers Gain in a Potential Trade Kristaps Porzingis (Image via Getty) A deal centered around Hachimura and Kristaps Porzingis could benefit both teams. Kristaps Porzingis' upside for LA: - Three-level scoring threat - Rim protection (career 1.8 blocks per game) - Better fit alongside Anthony Davis Despite Porzingis' injury history and poor 2025 playoffs (7.7 PPG, 31.6% FG), his skill set addresses Los Angeles Lakers' needs. How a Trade Could Work A third team might be necessary to facilitate the move. Potential trade framework: Lakers Receive Celtics Receive Third Team Involvement Kristaps Porzingis Rui Hachimura Draft picks/young players Salary filler Future assets Cap relief Derrick White could also be a target for the Lakers if talks expand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indian Truck Driver Now Earns ₹2.9 Crore Monthly (See how) prestigetrophy Learn More Undo Hachimura's Value to Both Teams For the Lakers: - Efficient role player (4th-leading scorer in 2024-25) - Strong off-ball movement and mid-range game - Playoff-tested contributor For the Celtics: - Immediate help during Tatum's absence - Financial flexibility after 2025-26 - Better balance between offense and defense While Hachimura isn't a star, his consistency and contract make him a logical trade piece. As Rovenchuk noted, "They get at least one guaranteed season of dependable production from the Los Angeles Lakers forward... They also get to drop his salary altogether next offseason." Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to acquire $76,487,996 Boston Celtics star to bolster team around LeBron, Luka, and Austin an improve title odds With both teams needing adjustments, this could be the offseason's most unexpected blockbuster.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers' Rui Hachinura Turns Heads With NBA Offseason Move
Lakers' Rui Hachinura Turns Heads With NBA Offseason Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers leaned heavily on Rui Hachimura throughout the regular season, as he averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, shooting 50.9% from the field over 68 appearances. Known for his efficient scoring and perimeter shooting ability, Hachimura emerged as a key starting player next to superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Advertisement In the first round of the playoffs against Minnesota, Hachimura maintained his productivity, averaging 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and one assist in 36.4 minutes per game across five contests. He delivered two standout 23-point performances in Games 4 and 5. However, the Lakers could not get past the Timberwolves, and now face questions in the NBA offseason. Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28), forward LeBron James (23), guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Despite being one of the few bright spots for LA in the playoffs, speculation has grown about Hachimura's future in Los Angeles. With the team exploring roster changes—particularly to add interior rebounding—the 6-foot‑8 forward's expiring contract makes him a trade candidate. Advertisement Amid this speculation, Hachimura shared an Instagram carousel documenting his time in Cuba, including a photo of him playing basketball with locals. The forward's offseason activity drew several fan reactions on social media. 'Rui everywhere,' one fan wrote. 'Damn Rui still looking for a center I see,' another fan posted. 'He can chill there until he learns how to rebound at 6'8,' a third fan added. 'Looking for a center huh,' another fan echoed. 'Cuba is amazing 🇨🇺 I love this place," said another. "Bro's making a world tour," said another. "HOPE YOUR HAVING THE BEST TIME THERE," a fan wrote in all caps. Advertisement Related: Rui Hachimura's Lakers Future Gets Update After LeBron James News Related: Fans In Disbelief After LeBron James' Absence From NBA Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Kyodo News
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Basketball: Japan women beat Taiwan in Gaines' 1st game in charge
KYODO NEWS - 6 hours ago - 15:30 | Sports, All Japan brushed aside Taiwan 95-42 in a women's basketball exhibition game on Saturday, the team's first outing under new head coach Corey Gaines. Sarah Nakamura Miller led Japan with 12 points, going 4-from-7 from three-point range, at Toyoda Gosei Memorial Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. Anri Hoshi scored 11 points and Kokoro Tanaka 10. Japan led 55-18 at halftime, with Tanaka and Norika Konno starring, before the world's ninth-ranked team cruised to the victory against the 39th-ranked Taiwan. The two teams will play again at the same venue on Sunday. The 60-year-old Gaines, whose grandmother is Japanese, was an associate head coach of the men's team under Tom Hovasse since 2022 and helped the team at the 2023 World Cup in Okinawa, as well as at last year's Paris Olympics. Gaines was Japan women's advisory coach in 2016-2017 and replaced Toru Onzuka in January after his team finished the Paris Games last summer with three defeats in the preliminary round. Japan won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 under Hovasse. Gaines played for several NBA teams, including the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, before managing the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury to a championship in 2009. Related coverage: Basketball: Teen has sights set on being Japan team's next Hachimura Basketball: Hachimura ready to step up for title-chasing Lakers Basketball: Grizzlies guard Kawamura ends NBA rookie season on high
Kyodo News
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Basketball: Japan women beat Taiwan in Gaines' 1st game in charge
KYODO NEWS - 2 hours ago - 15:30 | Sports, All Japan brushed aside Taiwan 95-42 in a women's basketball exhibition game on Saturday, the team's first outing under new head coach Corey Gaines. Sarah Nakamura Miller led Japan with 12 points, going 4-from-7 from three-point range, at Toyoda Gosei Memorial Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. Anri Hoshi scored 11 points and Kokoro Tanaka 10. Japan led 55-18 at halftime, with Tanaka and Norika Konno starring, before the world's ninth-ranked team cruised to the victory against the 39th-ranked Taiwan. The two teams will play again at the same venue on Sunday. The 60-year-old Gaines, whose grandmother is Japanese, was an associate head coach of the men's team under Tom Hovasse since 2022 and helped the team at the 2023 World Cup in Okinawa, as well as at last year's Paris Olympics. Gaines was Japan women's advisory coach in 2016-2017 and replaced Toru Onzuka in January after his team finished the Paris Games last summer with three defeats in the preliminary round. Japan won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 under Hovasse. Gaines played for several NBA teams, including the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, before managing the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury to a championship in 2009. Related coverage: Basketball: Teen has sights set on being Japan team's next Hachimura Basketball: Hachimura ready to step up for title-chasing Lakers Basketball: Grizzlies guard Kawamura ends NBA rookie season on high
