Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura will play the 2025-26 season without a new contract in place, but the 28-year-old says his only concern is helping the team win.
Speaking Monday at the club’s annual Media Day, Hachimura acknowledged that his pending unrestricted free agency next summer is beyond his control.
“It’s the business side. I can’t do anything about it,” he told reporters. “My job is to play my game and do whatever I need to do to help this team win.”
The 6-foot-8 forward has become a dependable starter since the Lakers acquired him in 2023. He has connected on better than 40 percent of his three-point attempts in each of the past two seasons and, at the urging of head coach JJ Redick, made notable strides as a rebounder and defender last year.
An extension was possible during the offseason, but no deal materialized. Without one, Hachimura enters the final year of his contract at a time when Los Angeles could need extra production. With LeBron James expected to miss the beginning of the schedule, the Lakers are likely to lean on Hachimura’s scoring and versatility in the frontcourt.
Redick, now in his second season on the bench, said the forward is showing greater confidence and energy as training camp opens. “He brings joy to the gym every day,” the coach noted.
If Hachimura maintains his current trajectory, he is positioned for a significant payday in July. For now, he insists that team goals come first. “Whatever comes after, it comes,” he said. “I’m focused on this season.”
Source: Lakers Nation
