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Free agent Rui Hachimura is officially leaving the Lakers after signing a two-year deal with another team, but he’s not leaving Los Angeles.
Hachimura is joining the Clippers on a $28 million deal, reports ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
NBA insider Jake Fischer said the Clippers deal includes a team option on the second season, and it’s structured in a way that will allow the team to continue to pursue Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets.
Charania reports that Hachimura “came to an understanding with the Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together.”
Once the Lakers made clear they were willing to let Hachimura go without a sign-and-trade, the player and the Clippers “moved forward to keep him in his desired location of LA.”
“Hachimura turned down offers from the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs because he wanted to remain in L.A. for the Clippers, sources said,” Charania reports.
Hachimura’s career stats aren’t necessarily eye-popping, with his points per game fluctuating between about 11 and 14 nearly every season.
This past playoffs, though, Hachimura exploded.
In 10 playoff matchups with the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder, Hachimura scored more than 20 points four times, including 21 and 25 in the last two games of the season.
He was helped mightily by his 56.9% shooting from 3-point range, well above his already strong regular season average of 44.3%.
Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
That performance put him “first among all players with at least five attempts per game in the 2026 postseason,” Charania explained.
Beyond Hachimura’s production, though, is only one thing the Lakers are losing. Another is continuity.
Earlier this offseason, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka promised a “full rebuild and retool,” and that’s definitely coming true.
There’s been a reorganization of the front office, as well as departures of basketball legend LeBron James, prized guards Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, and big men Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton.
Granted, the Lakers have made multiple acquisitions in the process, including center Walker Kessler, but with this latest departure, the Lakers retain only stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as major contributors from last year’s team.
The post Rui Hachimura Leaving Lakers, but He’s Not Going Far appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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Hachimura is joining the Clippers on a $28 million deal, reports ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
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NBA insider Jake Fischer said the Clippers deal includes a team option on the second season, and it’s structured in a way that will allow the team to continue to pursue Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets.
Why did Rui Hachimura choose to sign with the Clippers?
Charania reports that Hachimura “came to an understanding with the Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together.”
Once the Lakers made clear they were willing to let Hachimura go without a sign-and-trade, the player and the Clippers “moved forward to keep him in his desired location of LA.”
“Hachimura turned down offers from the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs because he wanted to remain in L.A. for the Clippers, sources said,” Charania reports.
What are the Lakers losing in Rui Hachimura?
Hachimura’s career stats aren’t necessarily eye-popping, with his points per game fluctuating between about 11 and 14 nearly every season.
This past playoffs, though, Hachimura exploded.
In 10 playoff matchups with the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder, Hachimura scored more than 20 points four times, including 21 and 25 in the last two games of the season.
He was helped mightily by his 56.9% shooting from 3-point range, well above his already strong regular season average of 44.3%.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
That performance put him “first among all players with at least five attempts per game in the 2026 postseason,” Charania explained.
Beyond Hachimura’s production, though, is only one thing the Lakers are losing. Another is continuity.
Earlier this offseason, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka promised a “full rebuild and retool,” and that’s definitely coming true.
There’s been a reorganization of the front office, as well as departures of basketball legend LeBron James, prized guards Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, and big men Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton.
Granted, the Lakers have made multiple acquisitions in the process, including center Walker Kessler, but with this latest departure, the Lakers retain only stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as major contributors from last year’s team.
The post Rui Hachimura Leaving Lakers, but He’s Not Going Far appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
