Rui Hachimura spent the last 3 1/2 seasons with the Lakers, but is reportedly headed to the Clippers
Rui Hachimura won’t have far to travel to suit up for his new team
As first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the LA Clippers and Hachimura have agreed to a two-year deal worth $28 million. The Clippers and Hachimura made the deal official on Monday, July 6
Welcome to #ClipperNation, Rui Hachimura ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/PJfTEfGVUJ
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 7, 2026
Hachimura spent the last 3 1/2 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and was a key part of their rotation in 2025-26, averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51.4% overall and 44.3% on 3-pointers
“Rui is an elite 3-point shooter and an efficient mid-range scorer who uses his size to exploit mismatches,” Clippers basketball operations president Lawrence Frank said after the signing was completed Monday. “He will strengthen our frontcourt with his one-on-one defense and ability to space the floor. Rui is also a well-liked and respected teammate who continues to grow his game. We’re excited to add him.”
The Clippers have a changed frontline for 2026-27 as they also reportedly traded star Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Gradey Dick and Brandon Ingram early in the offseason. Aside from that maneuver, forward/center John Collins reportedly reached a deal with the Detroit Pistons and forward Bogdan Bogdanović is headed to the Houston Rockets on a reported deal as well
Across town, the Lakers have several changes to their roster as well. Walker Kessler has come aboardton is reportedly headed to the Washington Wizards in a trade that brings back Jaden Hardy. Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard left on reported deals in free agency, while Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton are coming aboard
The biggest change of all for the Lakers is LeBron James’ reported decision to not re-sign with the team this summer. His departure brought about much of the roster change on the frontline for the Lakers
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report
