Free agent forward Rui Hachimura is remaining in Los Angeles after agreeing to a two-year, $28 million contract with the LA Clippers, giving the veteran forward a new home following three and a half seasons with the Lakers.
The deal, first reported Monday by ESPN’s Shams Charania, features a team option for the second season and is expected to be finalized using the Clippers’ non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The 28-year-old forward had prioritized remaining in the Southern California market despite generating competing interest from outside franchises.
The Lakers ultimately declined to cooperate on a potential transaction, prompting Hachimura to sign with the Clippers directly. Prior to committing to the Clippers, Hachimura drew inquiries from the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas Mavericks, though San Antonio pivoted toward signing Tobias Harris.
Hachimura took to social media to acknowledge his tenure with his former franchise. “Thank you Lakers Nation for the past 3 years. We had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together,” Hachimura wrote.
Hachimura, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, was acquired by the Lakers during the 2022-23 season and developed into a dependable rotation player. His ability to play multiple frontcourt positions, score without needing the ball in his hands and stretch the floor made him a valuable contributor throughout his Lakers tenure.
Hachimiura now enters the next chapter of his career after emerging as one of the NBA’s more reliable complementary forwards. Last season, he averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting better than 51% from the field and 44.3% from 3-point range during the regular season. His production increased during the playoffs, where he averaged 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds while connecting on nearly 57% of his attempts from beyond the arc, reinforcing his reputation as an efficient floor spacer and versatile scoring option.
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