IS RE-SIGNING RUI OUT OF THE QUESTION?Rui is definitely one of the Lakers' wild cards. He has been forced to play out of position and defend small forwards when he is really a power forward because old LeBron James needs to play power forward because he cannot guard small… https://t.co/2fTeoYu2xx pic.twitter.com/b1sjPLIMPq— LakerTom (@LakerTom) August 13, 2025
Definitely not but I also doubt we see much movement in-season. Everyone’s fit with Luka will be evaluated. Struggle during the season and you might traded but, honestly, I could see the Lakers letting 2-3 players just walk this summer simply to create cap space.
While it’s lovely and romantic to imagine the Lakers swinging an awesome trade for expiring debris and a solitary 1st round pick the reality is that won’t bring back an impact player. If they’re on a contract beyond next season you can scrap the notion entirely if the player isn’t named Jokic or Giannis.
I think the real evaluation for all these guys will come in the playoffs, which is where most of them (Rui excluded) really struggled. Reaves could win Most Improved or whatever and still not stay a Laker if he struggles in the playoffs again.
It also boils down to W.L.W. (What Luka Wants) now so his opinion matters more than a little. Play well but don’t fit into Luka’s vibe…it might be your last season in the purple and gold.