During a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Zach Lowe of The Ringer and Sam Amick of The Athletic walked through a number of veterans who could be potential extension candidates this season, including Lakers forward Rui Hachimura.

Amick said he didn’t expect the Lakers to extend Hachimura because they want to maintain long-term financial flexibility, which could put them in play for a max free agent in either 2026 or 2027. Lowe concurred, but he added that he expected “some discussions” about an extension because Hachimura is “an interesting candidate” for one.

“I think Rui Hachimura’s good,” Lowe added. “I think he’s actually underrated. When I hear the discussions about ‘Who would come off the bench if they decide to sign Marcus Smart?’, he’s the de facto answer. And I get that, bec

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