Did the Lakers Make the Wrong Call? Rui Hachimura Shines, but Deni Avdija’s Rise Sparks Regret in LA

The Los Angeles Lakers made what seemed like a smart, low-risk move when they traded for Rui Hachimura two seasons ago. And to be fair, Hachimura has delivered exactly what the front office hoped for: scoring punch, efficiency, stability, and a reliable presence in the starting lineup.

But with Deni Avdija exploding into a borderline All-Star in Portland, the question resurfacing around the league is impossible to ignore:

Did the Lakers choose the wrong Wizards forward?

🔥 Rui Hachimura Has Been Good — Really Good

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Hachimura has carved out a major role. He’s started every playoff game since joining the franchise and has developed into a nightly fixture in the rotation.

This season, he has taken another leap, posting career-best efficiency while logging the most minutes of his career:

• 14.9 points per game
• 3.9 rebounds
• 1.1 assists
• 56.8% FG — career high
• 48.3% from three — career high
• 33.4 minutes per game

For a Lakers roster built around Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, Hachimura is the exact type of low-maintenance, high-efficiency scorer that fits seamlessly into JJ Redick’s system.

He’s not the issue — in fact, he’s exceeding expectations.

But the player LA could have had? That’s where things get uncomfortable.

🚀 Deni Avdija Has Become the Star LA Never Saw Coming

While Hachimura thrives in Los Angeles, Deni Avdija has become a revelation with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Once seen as a versatile-but-inconsistent wing in Washington, Avdija now looks like a player ready to challenge for an All-Star berth, with production that dwarfs his former teammate:

• 25.5 points per game — 18th in the NBA
• 6.4 rebounds
• 5.5 assists — another career high
• 47.8% FG
• 38.9% from three on 6.9 attempts
• 33.9 minutes per game

His mix of scoring, playmaking, and improved shooting has transformed Portland’s offense — and made him exactly the type of two-way, positionless forward that would fit like a glove next to Dončić and Reaves.

And that’s where the potential regret comes in.

😬 Did the Lakers Miss the Better Long-Term Fit?

At the time of the trade, it wasn’t crazy for the Lakers to prefer Hachimura. He was polished, playoff-tested, and filled an immediate need. Avdija still looked like a developmental project.

But in hindsight?

Avdija’s breakout season suggests he might have been the true gem — the kind of rising star who could elevate LA’s ceiling now and in the future.

This doesn’t diminish Hachimura’s value. He has been dependable, efficient, and essential for the Lakers’ rotation.

Still, it's hard to ignore the alternate reality:

A Lakers lineup featuring Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and a star-level Deni Avdija.

That version of Los Angeles might look like a legitimate superteam.

🎯 Should the Lakers Regret Their Choice?

Realistically, the Lakers won’t complain about acquiring Hachimura — he has delivered consistently and fits the culture. But given Avdija’s meteoric rise in Portland, it’s natural to wonder what could have been.

Sometimes in the NBA, the “solid” move ages well.

And sometimes the “solid” move ages… awkwardly.

Right now, this one feels a bit like the latter.