Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura is attracting free agency interest from the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets as the market prepares to open Tuesday at 3 p.
m. PT.
>>> FIFA Under Fire After Mexico Fans Repeat Homophobic Chants at World Cup
The Lakers' chances of retaining the 28-year-old improved after the Spurs agreed to re-sign veteran Harrison Barnes.
San Antonio also added frontcourt depth by drafting Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr., potentially limiting Hachimura's role.
Meanwhile, the Nets recently acquired Julius Randle via trade, signaling a rebuild that may not fit Hachimura's desire to play significant minutes for a championship contender.
Interest from Spurs and Nets
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Brooklyn remains a likely suitor for Hachimura.
>>> Javier Aguirre Benches Brian Gutierrez for Mexico vs Ecuador World Cup Clash
The Spurs also have interest but must resolve Harrison Barnes' unrestricted free agency.
Hachimura had a highly efficient offensive season for Los Angeles, starting 41 of 68 regular-season games while averaging 27.9 minutes per game.
He converted 44.3 percent of his three-point attempts in the regular season and set a Lakers franchise playoff record by shooting 56.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka faces several critical roster decisions as LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes also enter free agency.
>>> Mexico Finalizes Preparations for World Cup Knockout Clash with Ecuador
If James departs for the Golden State Warriors, the front office is expected to prioritize retaining Hachimura to anchor the frontcourt.
