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NBA Free Agency: the best and worst contract re-ups thus far

By Eric Fritts

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his foul during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his foul during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Rui Hachimura – 3 years/$51 million – Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have had an exceptional free agency, with a couple of exceptions. Rui Hachimura was acquired by Los Angeles this past season at the deadline, and some were rightfully skeptical. It didn’t take much to acquire him and he never did much of note in Washington. Fast forward to the playoffs and Hachimura started to stand out averaging 12.2 points, including a 29-point game in round 2, proving skeptics wrong.

But, there is still reason to be skeptical. Hachimura still hasn’t proven himself to be a reliable regular-season player. And while the Lakers proved all they need to do is get to the playoffs, regardless of seeding, to make a run, they still need reliable role players for the regular season grind. Anthony Davis and Lebron James can be two of the best players in the league, but that comes with a big caveat regarding their health. The Lakers found stability after the trade deadline but as they enter a full season with this roster, rewarding Hachimura for his playoff performance seems a little too much too soon.

Next. NBA Free Agency: predicting the biggest winners and losers. dark

However, the Lakers’ slight overpay, just might have been the tax it took to keep him, as other teams might have wanted to reward him for those playoff games too.