Seventh-year forward Rui Hachimura faces an uncertain future with the Los Angeles Lakers entering the 2025-26 season. The Japanese swingman will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and the Lakers have yet to offer him a contract extension, per multiple reports.
One player who could prove to be a perfect replacement for Hachimura is Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin, the unsung hero of Rick Carlisle’s team during their unexpected journey to the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fadeaway World floated a three-team Lakers trade idea that would see the Purple and Gold acquire Toppin, while the Knicks acquire Hachimura.
Lakers would receive: Obi Toppin, 2026 and 2028 second-round picks
Knicks would receive: Rui Hachimura
Pacers would receive: Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa (sign-and-trade)
How the Trade Helps Lakers
Toppin averaged 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 23 games in the 2025 NBA playoffs. The athletic forward was particularly impressive in the seven-game Finals series against the Thunder, averaging 11.0 points on 37% shooting from three.
With an NBA Finals experience under his belt, Toppin could prove to be an invaluable piece to a veteran Lakers roster that includes LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Furthermore, Toppin’s average salary of $14.5M over the next three years would be cap-friendly for the Lakers, who reportedly desire to keep their books clean for 2027.
“The forward’s arrival immediately frees up some cap space for the Purple and Gold. With a $14 million cap hit next season ($4.2 million less than Hachimura), Toppin’s acquisition would allow the Lakers to make key midseason signings or trades that could potentially transform the team into a title contender.
“Apart from his contract benefits, Toppin’s addition is also significant from the system’s perspective. In an offense run by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, having a versatile offensive threat is essential. In this regard, the forward ticks all the right boxes.
“Toppin has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most athletic players in the league. The potential for him to feed off lobs in the dunker’s spot makes for a viable option on offense.”
Hachmiura to Lose Starting Role?
Hachimura, who started 57 of his 59 games for the Lakers last season and 39 of 68 games in the 2023-24 season, could be coming off the bench in 2025-26, per multiple insiders. According to Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha, the most likely scenario would see the Lakers start Marcus Smart in the backcourt to beef up the perimeter defense.
“If you have Smart defensively [guarding] 1-through-3, or 1-through-4, you still need a backcourt defender,” Buha said on his podcast. “… Ideally, you can ask Austin [Reaves] guarding the secondary backcourt guy, Smart guarding the primary guy, and Luka and LeBron roaming and guarding the two forwards, and Ayton staying in drop [coverage].
Hachimura could potentially find a bigger role on the Knicks, Fadeaway World argues.
“As the Knicks prepare to make the most of their opportunities next season, they will need depth on their roster. Acquiring Hachimura would give them a reliable rotation player in the frontcourt who can contribute when called upon to do so. When factoring in his durability, in comparison to Mitchell Robinson’s, acquiring the 27-year-old could be viewed favorably.”
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