NBA Notes: Lakers, Rui Hachimura, Sixers, Andre Drummond, Nets

Lakers

Rui Hachimura may be staying right where he is. On the bench. And he is fine with it.

Dan Woike of The Athletic reports that as the Lakers get healthier, Hachimura could continue in a sixth-man role rather than returning to the starting lineup. He started his first 27 games this season but has come off the bench in recent weeks, and that may stick as Austin Reaves nears a return from his calf injury.

Hachimura said he is not worried about optics in a contract year.

“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning,” he said. “That’s gonna help us to everybody get paid.”

He added that coming off the bench has actually meant more touches and more offensive rhythm, and said closing games matters more than starting them.

Woike notes JJ Redick could lean toward stronger perimeter defense in the starting five, potentially using Jake LaRavia or Marcus Smart, while keeping Hachimura as a scoring punch off the bench.

“I like my role here,” Hachimura said. “I just gotta embrace doing whatever it takes to win.”

76ers

It appears that Andre Drummond is available.

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Sixers are open to moving the veteran center ahead of the trade deadline. Drummond is on a $5 million expiring contract and has served as Embiid insurance, but the emergence of second-year big Adem Bona has reduced his necessity.

Drummond has averaged 7.1 points and nine rebounds in 35 games, including 16 starts.

Pompey adds that Eric Gordon is another possible trade piece. Gordon has barely played, carries a low cap hit, and could appeal to cap-space teams like Brooklyn or Utah if Philadelphia attaches a sweetener. That said, the Sixers value his mentorship of rookie VJ Edgecombe.

Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes are also on expiring deals, though Grimes holds a no-trade veto. Teams around the league are monitoring Oubre’s availability.

Pompey also argues for keeping Jared McCain, noting his upside and future roster insurance.

Nets

Nets center Nic Claxton is playing through pain.

Brian Lewis of The New York Post reports Claxton is awaiting MRI results on his right pinky finger after taking a hit against Boston. He still logged 24 minutes Sunday and battled through visible discomfort.

“He’s got some discomfort, but I really give him credit,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “He’s willing to be out there.”

Claxton finished with six points, six rebounds, and two steals. Health remains the focus, but his competitiveness is not in question.