Hachimura did not secure a new team on the same day, and as league-wide money tightens, speculation intensified that he remains hopeful of a Lakers return. However, bringing Hachimura back would require the team to create new cap space. The Lakers have several options, including roster trades that could free up room, or potentially waiving a contract like Jarred Vanderbilt, whose remaining salary hit could be spread over multiple years.
Lakers Could Cut Jarred Vanderbilt to Make Room for Rui Hachimura
The Lakers’ current roster lists 13 players as part of the core rotation: Kessler, Mamukelashvili, Grimes, Sexton, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Jake LaRavia head the group, with rookie Cameron Carr and young prospects Dalton Knecht, Adou Theiro, and Bronny James also in the mix for opportunities. Vanderbilt remains on the roster alongside Ayton, but the team could pursue changes to add Hachimura back into the fold.
Because Hachimura can only be offered a minimum contract, discussions and reporting have suggested that the Lakers may look at financial moves—such as waiving Vanderbilt or exploring other adjustments—to create space for a potential reunion. Sources indicate the discussion centers on whether the organization might execute a trade or apply the stretch provision on players like Vanderbilt or Deandre Ayton to enable a bid for Hachimura.
More Money Needed?
Any additional cap space required would likely be modest, reducing the likelihood of a lengthy holdout for Hachimura. In the previous season, Hachimura averaged 11.5 points per game and shot 44.3% from three-point range, concluding the final year of a three-year, $51 million contract. He would be a candidate for a midlevel exception if free agency rules permitted, but the Lakers’ current financial position makes a broader increase challenging.
If Hachimura cannot secure a larger offer elsewhere, a return to the Lakers on a shorter deal could be appealing, potentially earning him a starting role with Mamukelashvili providing depth off the bench. It would present an opportunity to put up significant numbers and re-establish himself as a reliable scoring option.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have also been linked to potential additions, with talk of pursuing Jonathan Kuminga after his status with previous teams became uncertain. The interest in Kuminga has been persistent, reflecting the Lakers’ broader strategy of adding versatile wings and forwards who can contribute immediately.
In sum, the Lakers’ cap-space moves have created an intriguing pathway for Rui Hachimura. Whether the team can find a practical way to clear space—or whether Hachimura will pursue other offers—remains a developing story as teams around the league navigate a tight financial market and evaluate potential fits for the upcoming season.
