Rui Hachimura's surprising decision that worries the Lakers

It hasn't been a secret that the two top priorities for the Lakers this offseason is to bring back Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura by re-signing them, as both are about to become free agents.

The Lakers want to bring back both players, but free agency could get tricky, and the latest decision by Hachimura suggests things could get a little more complicated for LA than they first thought.

Hachimura released a statement with the Japanese Basketball Association announcing that he is withdrawing from participating in the FIBA World Cup to focus on his upcoming free agency and get his body right for next season:

"I have made the decision to withdraw from this year's FIBA World Cup. It was a very difficult decision to make, but after last season and the long playoffs, I decided to give priority to my future NBA career in preparation for my first free agency," Hachimura explained. "In addition, I will focus on training this summer and prepare my body for the next season. I would like to thank everyone involved, the JBA and head coach Tom Hovasse for their understanding of my decision this time. I would like to wish my teammates of the Japan national basketball team the best of luck. I'll be their number one supporter."

Why does Hachimura not playing in the FIBA World Cup worry the Lakers?

In Rui's statement, he said that he will prepare for his first free agency, meaning he has yet to decide if he is willing to stay in Los Angeles and is open to any team making an offer for him. The Lakers want him back, but at the end of the day, it will be Hachimura's decision when to play next.