Lakers Rumors: LA Prefers Not to Trade Rui Hachimura Among Their Potential Options

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to improve their roster ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but they're reportedly hoping to avoid giving up a key member of their rotation.

During this week's episode of Buha's Block (26:15 mark), The Athletic's Jovan Buha listed five players who are "most likely to be traded" from the Lakers this year. While swingman Rui Hachimura was included in that group, Buha singled him out as the one player Los Angeles would prefer not to ship away.

"Among that group, Rui's the guy that they've talked about as a longer-term core piece, so I think he's the guy they'd like to keep among that group," Buha said.

The other players Buha named as likely trade candidates were D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino. Hachimura has been a consistent contributor for the Lakers all year, so he could be the player who brings in the most significant return if they trade him.

Hachimura has started all 21 of his appearances this season and is averaging 12.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 44.3 percent from three-point range, the second-best mark of his six-year career.

Buha added that the right offer could convince the Lakers to let Hachimura go, especially if they have to decide between keeping him or one of their first-round draft picks.

"Depending on the deal, depending on the ask, I think if it ultimately comes down to the difference is you keep Rui or give up a first-round pick, I think they'd probably be more willing to give up a Rui than give up that pick," Buha said.

The Lakers (14-12) will be facing the Sacramento Kings (13-14) in their return to action on Thursday night.