Rui Hachimura Swaps Lakers for Clippers, Encourages Fans to Follow Suit

Rui Hachimura's Shift from Lakers to Clippers Sparks Jersey Exchange

Rui Hachimura has officially left the Los Angeles Lakers behind and is inviting his supporters to embrace his new chapter with the Los Angeles Clippers. On his verified Instagram handle @blacksamurai, a video surfaced showing Hachimura handing a Clippers jersey to a young fan. The kid was initially sporting Hachimura's No. 28 Lakers jersey but was asked by the forward to trade it for the fresh Clippers gear.

"This one looks way cooler," Hachimura commented about the new jersey. "Everyone, please go buy the Clippers jersey."

Contract and Performance Details

The forward inked a two-year contract worth $28 million with the Clippers in July. Before that, he spent four seasons with the Lakers, averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. In the 2025-26 season, Hachimura shot an impressive 51.4% overall and nailed 44.3% from beyond the arc.

Clippers Face Challenges Amid Off-Court Issues

Hachimura is joining the Clippers during a tough period. The franchise lost five first-round draft picks and was hit with a $30 million fine. Meanwhile, owner Steve Ballmer and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank are facing suspensions. The Clippers have long struggled to step out of the Lakers' shadow.

This upcoming 2026-27 season is crucial for the team to regain trust after the summer's controversies.

Team Leadership Addresses Fans’ Concerns

At media day, interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden issued an apology, saying:

"Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we’re sorry. We’ve been listening to the thoughts, concerns, and emotions of our fan base. They mean everything to us. We hope to fulfill our promises to them, build their trust, and move forward through this time."

Redden added that the franchise often performs best when under pressure and vowed to represent fans by fighting through these hard times.

Hachimura Aims to Expand Clippers’ Fanbase

While the Clippers work to keep their current fans, it seems Rui Hachimura hopes to draw Lakers fans over to the Clippers side as well, ahead of his first season with the team.

• Player: Rui Hachimura
• Former Team: Los Angeles Lakers
• New Team: Los Angeles Clippers
• Contract: 2 years, $28 million
• 2025-26 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 51.4% FG, 44.3% 3PT
• Clippers Penalties: 5 first-round picks lost, $30 million fine
• Franchise Officials Suspended: Owner Steve Ballmer, President Lawrence Frank