Aloha,

As the banged up Lakers exceed expectations game after game it is becoming crystal clear that is a deep and talented team. With LeBron being cleared for contact it will be even better soon. Just a few thoughts.

Even with a bad shooting night Luka continues to dominate. While it is his offense that generally gets the attention, it is his defense that has improved the most with his new body. While he may never be a lock down defender, he is moving so much better on the defensive side that he can no longer be considered a liability. His increased mobility has allowed his high IQ take over and the result is a lot more steals and blocks.

Ayton just maybe our center of the future. He is playing as well as any center in the league with only exceptions. When you watch his activity on the court and you listen to his interviews it’s clear that he has completely bought into his role. It is a long season but I think all the concerns about his motor and desire are fading away. I think he feels like he has found a home.

Rui had 15 points on only 9 shots again. Would love it if they found him a little more because the dude can shoot. But it was his defense that caught my attention last night. He defended Wemby at a high level. Rui is so freaking strong that it is hard to move him and Wemby isn’t strong enough to do it. Ayton is very mobile on defense and Rui allowed Ayton to roam and he is quick enough to get out on shooters. Rui gets a bad rap when it comes to defense. He really improved last year and has continued this year. He still needs to rebound a little better but he has become solid on the defensive end.

It’s rare to see a player struggle shooting the ball but still have a major impact on winning. Marcus has been doing just that. And with the injuries to our play makers this year he has been so important. He may not be flashy but he keeps the offense organized and makes the right reads and his defense has been as advertised. If he can stay healthy he will be a huge piece of our success.

While I would like a little more scoring from our bench, we have so many offensive weapons that it is easy for JJ to keep a couple of scorers on the court at all times. And when LeBron returns it will be even easier.

While I was sad when we lost Finney-Smith we turned him into Ayton, Marcus and Jake. That loss turned into the best thing that could have happened to the Lakers.

We won’t know for sure what our championship chances are until we get to see this team with LeBron. But what they have proven with games like last night, all season really, is that they already have championship level grit as a team. They play harder than I have seen the Lakers play in a long time. Keep this up and I may start dreaming about championship number 18.

Aloha,

Well that was ugly. With as bad we played it is a wonder we didn’t lose by 30. Just a few points.

While on one hand I understand the Lakers being cautious during preseason to reduce injuries this team looked like a team that didn’t play together much. They looked sloppy and all the turnovers were the result.

Can there be too much Luka? Yes The ball wasn’t moving as Luka and Austin as well pounded the ball all night. The other guys hardly touched it. That resulted in a lot of ball watching from the other guys. It’s well known that players play better on both sides of the ball when they are engaged in the offense.

All those missed free throws killed us. GS made 10 more free throws and only took a couple more than us.

Our 3 point shooting sucked. Austin and Lucka combined for 3-15. Unacceptable. Rui shot 50% from 3 in the preseason and was 3-6 last night. He is our best 3 point shooter and it’s up to JJ to make sure he gets more looks.

What is it about 3rd quarters with this team?

The Warriors hunted Gabe all night with Butler. That’s just a miss match. I would have preferred Smart or Vando in the starting line up. Gabe did his best but he was just too small to contain Butler.

We better find some bench scoring. The Warriors bench killed us.

It’s apparent that we really need LeBron back ASAP. His playmaking alone would have made a huge difference.

Rui Hachimura has quietly become the perfect role player around Luka Doncic
Rui Hachimura offers the three-point shooting and defensive versatility Luka Doncic needs.
By
Maxwell Ogden

Los Angeles Lakers wing Rui Hachimura has quietly developed into a player who can check almost every box as the ideal forward in a lineup that’s built around Luka Doncic. He’s steadily emerged as a versatile defender, a corner 3 specialist, and a corner-crashing asset who can play above the rim.

All eyes will be on potential extension negotiations between Hachimura and the Lakers, but for the time being, what needs to be known is that he’s become a perfect fit alongside Doncic.

Hachimura is preparing for his seventh NBA season, as well as his fourth with the Lakers. Since Los Angeles traded for him in 2023, he’s worked to become the type of player they need on both ends of the floor.

Hachimura’s growth as a player was never more evident than in 2024-25, when he took to head coach JJ Redick’s new system like a fish to water.

Hachimura shot the lights out, rebounded in ways he hadn’t since his rookie season, and established invaluable positional versatility. He thrived alongside Anthony Davis, adapted on the fly when the franchise player was traded, and all but instantly became who Doncic needed him to be.

In 2025-26, Hachimura will be tasked with taking one final step forward in order to secure a new contract with the Lakers and enable Doncic to lead the team to contender status.
Rui Hachimura has become two-way player Luka Doncic needs at forward

Hachimura finished the 2024-25 season averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 three-point field goals made per game. He shot remarkably efficiently, compiling a slash line of .509/.413/.770.

That alone is reason to be optimistic about the value Hachimura can continue to provide as he enters his athletic prime at 27 years of age.

The details of what Hachimura brings to the table are even more intriguing than his general production. For instance: In 2024-25, he shot 41.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes—an identical figure to the mark he posted in 2023-24.

In addition to becoming a sustainably elite catch-and-shoot option, Hachimura shot 44.5 percent on 110 corner three attempts—perhaps the most significant statistic of all.

One of the primary strengths any Doncic-led team must have is a corner 3 specialist who can create optimal spacing. Doncic is a downhill playmaker who ranks among the best in the NBA at making passes on the drive to open shooters.

That’s already reared its head in Los Angeles, as Hachimura shot 42.9 percent on three-point field goals off of passes from Doncic in 2024-25.

Hachimura can solidify his place as a pillar of Lakers basketball by improving as a point of attack defender in 2025-26. He’s already operating at a starting-caliber level, however, and has the benefit of playing a key role during Los Angeles’ run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals.

Assuming Hachimura sustains what he’s built with the Lakers and makes improvements along the way, he should be safe as a key teammate during the Doncic era.
•

Aloha,

Rui is taking an unusual approach to training this summer. He is training with Sumo wrestlers. That might seem peculiar but there are
some things that Hachimura could take from sumo training that could help him on the court. Not only are sumo wrestlers some of the strongest athletes in the world, but they are very good with their hands which could help Hachimura when battling in the paint. Additionally, sumo wrestling requires quick feet and proper footwork, not to mention great burst and explosion, all things that could translate. Rui is already one of the strongest forwards in the league. While big strong players like Steven Adams and the Joker are a challenge, they are nothing compared to a 400 pound Sumo Wrestler. lol.

Aloha,

I think this is the Lakers roster for a while. Because salaries are prorated through the year the Lakers could sign a buyout player to a vet minimum contract in January.

As for a consolation trade I’m afraid that time has passed. Most teams rosters are set and can’t take on multiple players for one. I have been reading that Dalton is no longer viewed has having 1st round valuation. He seems to have played himself into 2nd rounder territory. It just seems like he is in his head. Unfortunately I don’t know if he will get the minutes to play himself out of his funk.

When you consider that we have little draft capital and an unwillingness to take on contracts beyond this year, you are looking at the roster as is.

I do think this a very good team that’s deeper and better than last year. But to truly contend we will need some internal growth. Which isn’t that far fetched. But for now, what you see is what you get.

Aloha,

Unless Shake is part of a trade today, he will be waived. After that though the Lakers can take their time. Goodwin isn’t guaranteed until January. The Lakers need to cut. 1.2 mil from their payroll by the end of this coming season. So they can work on a trade and if none materialize they cut Goodwin in January and get under the tax line. I like Goodwin and hope we can keep him. But he is the fall back plan. They could also waive a stretch a player but I don’t see that happening. There just isn’t anyone out there worth doing it for.

Aloha,

this is weird. literally 3 minutes after i posted the Bradley Beal buyout news hit and hes going to the Clippers. So lets see what happens next.

Aloha,

Dan Wolke former LA times reporter, now with the Atlantic has reported that the Lakers have no interest in Andrew Wiggins and their initial interest was minimal at best. I respect Wolke. He is a journalist while a guy like Buha is more of a click bait artist.

Aloha,

As the NBA waits on Bradley Beal, I wonder what Rob is up too. The Lakers have been really good about not letting their intentions go public. The Luka trade, the sale of the team, heck even the Lakers interest in signing Jake came out of the blue.

While there could be a trade, I’m not counting on it at this point. We just don’t have the draft capital. It would have to be a need for need kind of trade, so I’m not counting on it.

There are a few small things the Lakers could do to add to their roster for the right free agent. I expect Shake to be waived. I suspect he’s still on the roster because of potentially being part of a trade. But if a trade doesn’t materialize I believe they will cut his non guaranteed contract for both 3 mil in cap room and a roster spot. There are still free agents out there that would be an upgrade over Shake.

There are a couple of other moves that the Lakers could consider for the right player or players. While I like what I saw from Goodwin, his salary is only guaranteed for $25,000.00 this year. They could cut him to open up another 2.2 mil in cap space.

There is also the possibility of stretching either Gabe or Kleber. That would add 3.7 mil to their roster cap for 3 year but free up 7 mil more this year. I’m not expecting them to do that but it’s an option for the right additions.

At this point I’m not expecting anything earth shaking to happen. I think they will pretty much go with this group and see how the team looks. I expect them to hang onto to their assets, at least until the trade deadline. It would take a player that really moves the needle for the Lakers to use those assets and there doesn’t appear to be that player on the market. But then you never know.

Aloha,

Well it seems the entire league has ground to a halt as everyone waits on the Bradley Beal situation. It’s funny how one guy can stop everything in the NBA.

The Suns are a cautionary tale for teams over spending in the new CBA world. Boston did get a ring but most of those moves happened before the agreement.

The Bucks stretched Lillard adding 20 mil a year to the cap and now the Suns maybe doing the same thing with Beal. To top it off the Suns just gave Booker the riches contract extension in league history. He is a very good player but 75 mil in his last year? At 33?

I will never understand why the rank and file NBA players continue to vote for deals that benefit a handful of players and screw everyone else.

Booker is a good example. He is still under his old contract and will be paid 61 mil next year. We know Austin is under paid but his projected salary next year is in the 30 mil range. In 4 more minutes a game Booker scored 25 points to Austin’s 20 but to be fair Austin was the 3rd option. Booker had 7.1 assists to Austin’s 5.8. Austin had a half a rebound more. Booker shot 33% from 3, while Austin shot 37%. Booker has become a better defender over the years but he is far from a stopper. And they both play with the same desire and determination.

I’m not saying Austin is as good as Booker but for my money I would take Austin every time. To me 5 points and an extra assist is not worth 30 mil. That can buy you a quality player or two.

Perhaps someday the rank and file NBA players will wake up and vote for a more even pay scale. Until then we will continue to see 75 mil over pays like the one for Booker.

Aloha

I keep reading that the Lakers need to go all in to win with LeBron. I don’t know what that means when you have one distant first, 2nd and swaps that won’t matter much until the next decade. If anyone is paying attention, quality players are quite expensive. Desmond Bane cost 4 first round picks and a swap and he’s not even an all star. The best player the Lakers have been linked to is Andrew Wiggins. He barely moves the needle if at all. And if his price tag is Rui, Dalton, another contract to make the money work and a 1st, sorry, I’ll pass.

Actually, I think the Lakers have done a good job, considering what they have to work with. And they haven’t done anything stupid yet. Well that not exactly true. Ghosting LeBron like they have is like is like breaking up with someone without even a text. That’s a bad look but then LeBron is a bit of a prima Donna so we don’t know everything that may have happened behind the scene.

The only trades for LeBron that make sense from the other team’s perspective would be the Knicks Kat for LeBron or the Warriors Butler for LeBron. I don’t think there will be a trade but if there is, the Warriors would be the most likely.

I think the best path for the Lakers to take now is to wait and see how this group looks with a training camp. We have until February to make a trade. It will give the Lakers a chance to see If Ayton can become the center they need, what players show growth and what players may become available. This may not be a championship contender but it is a good team and more moves can be made later in the year if needed.

By the way, holding onto that 1st round pick now means we could have basically 3 first rounders to trade if done during the draft next summer.

The mystery of why Eric Dixon hasn’t played has been solved. He has been spotted in a walking boot in Vegas. I don’t know the extent of the injury but it must be semi serious because he hasn’t signed a two way contract yet. This happened with Goodwin last year. He was set to sign a two way and got hurt. After he recovered they brought him to the G league and eventually the varsity. I wonder if they will sign someone else to the two way and wait on Dixon to heal.

Up to this point Dalton is making sure he isn’t traded. He has had a sub par summer so far. Actually Swider would have more value if he was under contract. He has filled the shooter role that Dalton was supposed to fill.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Bazley. He is not eligible for a two way and it would take a few roster moves to add him to the team. They could add him the G league team but someone may snatch him up.

Bronny is beginning to look like a solid pick at 55. He has transformed his body and is now’s 220 pounds of muscle as we saw when Flagg could not move him. I can now see him developing into a role player similar to Avery Bradley. Tough defender with secondary ball handling skills, that can shoot the 3.

Aloha,

So this whole Lebron saga is getting pretty stale fast. Obviously the communication between the Lakers and Lebron has not been good. Not announcing that Lebron signed the extension was bush. But talking through your agent is totally passive aggressive behavior. And I thought that Lebron not welcoming Ayton was pretty poor. Lebron has been a prima donna his entire career and he got his feelings hurt. Just don’t pretend this is about building a champion because that became much more difficult when he picked up his option. Everyone has the right to get paid but don’t whine about wanting to play for a championship.

The trade option also became really difficult when he picked up that option as well. Currently there are only two teams that could do a trade without gutting their team. The Knicks could send Kat. No thanks. He is the wrong type of center for Luka, and the Pacers won the series by repeatably attacking Kat in the paint. The other would be the Warriors who could send Butler. He’s in decline but still a clutch scorer and good perimeter defender. he trade might make sense for them. Still I would be surprised if anything happens.

The Lakers entered the off season shoot out armed with a butter knife. Want a consolidation trade? That would be great but what team takes on two unwanted contract for a 2032 2nd round pick. Want a star? What team trades one for a single first round pick. Want a player upgrade, you better be prepared to send out all of your remaining assets for them. Everyone wants to screw over the Lakers and we have seen it in the asking prices.

I think the Lakers have done about as much as you can hope for. We landed Luka without giving up the farm. We signed the best center on the market that we could afford, heck, better than many we could have traded for. We signed a young promising forward with upside and we turned the number 55 pick into a 36 and drafted a player that was in the first round on most mocks. I don’t believe in wild click bait trade machine trades illusions, so I don’t see how we could have done much better, given the ridiculous asking prices from some teams. There could be small moves left but nothing that will turn us into the contender Lebron wants. Internal growth will be the key to the season. If Lebron wants to win he should embrace that and help where he can. Ghosting your new teammates is juvenile behavior. Hopefully this is resolved soon. It will be sickening if it lasts to the trade deadline.

Aloha,

The marketing team for the Vegas summer league is touting today’s game as Bronny vs Flagg. But for me the match up I will be watching is Flagg vs Bazley. Bazley has looked great so far this summer, but Cooper Flagg will be his first real test. I expect to see Bazley on Flagg a lot today. Flagg is no ordinary rookie. He was invited to scrimmage with the Olympic team and from all the reports, he more than held his own. Bazley has stood out against the competition so far as he should having 237 NBA games under his belt. Bazley is ineligible for a two way contract do to his years of NBA service. This game could go a long way in determining if the Lakers will try and find a roster spot for him this coming season.