Rui Hachimura is staying in Los Angeles, but with a different team after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Clippers, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-season spell with the Lakers.
The Japanese forward became an unrestricted free agent this summer and opted to join the Clippers, marking one of the most notable moves of the NBA offseason. His arrival adds size, versatility and scoring depth to a Clippers squad looking to strengthen its rotation for the new campaign.
Hachimura joined the Lakers midway through the 2022-23 season after being traded from the Washington Wizards. During his time with the franchise, he developed into a reliable frontcourt contributor, providing efficient scoring, rebounding and defensive versatility while helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals in 2023.
Source: The Big Lead
Although the Lakers expressed interest in retaining the 28-year-old, the two sides were unable to reach a new agreement in free agency. The Clippers moved quickly to secure his signature, giving the team another experienced two-way option alongside its established core.
For the Lakers, Hachimura's departure leaves another gap in the frontcourt as the franchise continues reshaping its roster during a busy offseason. Replacing his size and scoring off the bench, along with his ability to play multiple forward positions, will now become a priority.
The move also adds another storyline to the Los Angeles rivalry, with Hachimura becoming one of the latest players to switch sides between the city's two NBA franchises.
As the Clippers continue building a roster capable of competing in the Western Conference, they will hope Hachimura's experience and versatility can make an immediate impact when the 2026-27 season tips off.
