Hachimura explains move across L.A. after leaving the Lakers

Rui Hachimura has shed light on his surprising decision to leave the Lakers and join their city rivals, the Clippers, signing a two‑year, $28 million deal that marks a major shift in his career. The move, finalized on July 5, caught many off guard, especially with the Clippers entering a new era following the Kawhi Leonard trade. Hachimura said the franchise’s reputation for prioritizing players and its renewed youthful core made the choice appealing.

He also admitted that staying in Los Angeles was a key priority, particularly after the Lakers’ offseason direction suggested he was no longer central to their plans. The Clippers offered him a system suited to his game, with coaches encouraging him to cut more, rebound aggressively and push the pace.

Hachimura arrives with elite shooting credentials, including three straight seasons above 41% from deep and historic playoff efficiency, giving the Clippers the versatile forward they had long sought.