Door just swung wide open for Spurs to steal soon-to-be ex-Laker in free agency

It's not often that the San Antonio Spurs can steal a player from the Los Angeles Lakers, but that could happen this summer. The Lakers are widely expected to completely remake their roster, with them having nine free agents and approximately $50 million in cap space.

That means that several key players, including LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, could be soon gone. Speaking of Hachimura, he might warrant a closer look from the Spurs.

Since he was acquired from the Washington Wizards two and a half seasons ago, he has proven himself to be a starting-caliber forward.

During that span, he's averaged a solid 13 points and 4.4 rebounds and is shooting an impressive 42.1% from three on 3.9 attempts per game.

Spurs must steal Rui Hachimura from the Lakers

San Antonio could also be looking to retool their roster, part of it at least. Power forward Harrison Barnes may not return next season, and Jeremy Sochan was just waived. Therefore, the Silver and Black could roll with Julian Champagnie and Carter Bryant at the four next season with spot minutes from Luke Kornet.

If Bryant continues to play like he has of late, then that could be a stellar rotation. After all, San Antonio would have more than enough shooting and defense at that position to thrive.

However, if they aren't sure about Bryant's readiness, they could use their mid-level exception to look at options at power forward. In that case, Hachimura would seem to be an ideal fit.

Rui Hachimura could be a solid free agent signing

Hachimura would be a terrific offensive fit, and I could see him filling a role similar to Barnes. With him only making around $18.2 million this season but having been a starter for most of his time in L.A., he might get a pay raise this summer.

Then again, he appeared to be being shopped by Los Angeles at the trade deadline, but they weren't able to find any takers. If he can be had for around the mid-level exception (worth about $15.1 million), the Spurs could offer him a 2-year deal worth around $30 million.

Bonus points if San Antonio can steal him away from the Lakers and they aren't able to replace him with an upgrade in free agency. The Spurs have some uncertainty at power forward.

Thus, bringing in a starting-caliber four on a reasonable two-year deal would ensure they'd have enough depth at that position.

And if Bryant makes a big leap and becomes a starter during next season, Hachimura would still be a good depth piece. Or, he could also be moved in a big deal if a trade required matching salary. Signing him would be low-risk with a reasonably high reward