The Los Angeles Lakers stated through executive Rob Pelinka that their main goal in free agency this year is to retain as much of their new core as possible.
That core, which was hastily cobbled together just before the trade deadline via multiple trades, was good enough to give them one of the league’s best records after the All-Star break and a trip to the Western Conference finals.
On Friday, the Lakers added forward Taurean Prince and guard Gabe Vincent in free agency, and both should give them tenacity, defensive versatility and, perhaps, reliable 3-point shooting.
They also achieved part of their main objective when forward Rui Hachimura agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract to remain.
RFA Rui Hachimura has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to return to the Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023
Hachimura was one of the midseason additions that turned the season around for Los Angeles. He was inconsistent during the regular season, but he was outstanding during the playoffs, and at times, it almost seemed as if no one could slow him.
