NBA Rumors: Ranking and predicting where the top 35 NBA free agents will sign

24. Rui Hachimura (restricted)

The Los Angeles Lakers’ improbably run to the NBA Finals fell short this past season. The team ran into the buzzsaw that the Denver Nuggets were in the Western Conference Finals. However, there’s a sense surrounding this team that could suggest they could be a move or two away from being a true contender in the West.

As the Lakers scour the market for that potential addition, it’ll also prove to be important for this team to ensure a strong supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Rui Hachimura was part of this team’s mid-season reshuffling of the roster.

And he proved to be a wildcard for the team at various times last season.

Hachimura really showed some flashes for the Lakers in the postseason, highlighted by a 29-point performance in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. Hachimura proved that he could emerge as a key supporting piece next to LeBron and AD. It would be surprising if the Lakers didn’t bring Hachimura back – and it would make even less sense considering they made the move for him at the NBA Trade Deadline.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers