Contract Details:: Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers, averaging $14 million annually.
Lakers' Decision:: The Lakers chose not to cooperate on a sign-and-trade, letting Hachimura's cap hold go to create space for the Walker Kessler trade and other free agent signings.
Other Offers Rejected:: Hachimura turned down offers from the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, and San Antonio Spurs to remain in Los Angeles.
Postseason Excellence:: The 28-year-old averaged 17.5 points on 54.9% shooting from the field and an elite 56.9% from three-point range in the 2026 playoffs — the best among all players attempting at least 5.0 shots per game.
Regular Season Efficiency:: Hachimura posted 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from beyond the arc.
Why This Matters:: Hachimura is viewed as a stabilizing, versatile forward who can fill minutes and roles left vacant by Kawhi Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors. The Clippers are in transition, and this move signals a commitment to maintaining a competitive roster.
Rui Hachimura's move from the Lakers to the Clippers is a rare direct transfer between the two LA franchises. Drafted 9th overall in 2019 by the Washington Wizards, Hachimura was acquired by the Lakers during the 2022-23 season in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and four second-round picks. He quickly became a reliable rotational piece and a popular figure in the locker room.
The Lakers were forced to prioritize other moves. With LeBron James deciding not to re-sign, the team pivoted aggressively — bringing in Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade, adding Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and Quentin Grimes in free agency, and trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy. Hachimura's $14 million annual price tag was simply more than the Lakers were willing to match given their other financial commitments.
The Clippers dealt Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors early in the offseason for Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. While Hachimura is not a direct replacement for a two-time Finals MVP, his skill set — particularly as a versatile forward who can space the floor, defend multiple positions, and operate off the catch — overlaps significantly with what Leonard provided. The Clippers are also eyeing restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with the Hachimura signing creating pathways to pursue him.
Players moving directly from the Lakers to the Clippers (or vice versa) is uncommon in Los Angeles basketball history. Notable examples include Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, and more recently, Ivica Zubac — who was traded from the Lakers to the Clippers in 2019 in a deal that has aged remarkably well for the Clippers. Hachimura's move adds to that short but impactful list.
How much is Rui Hachimura getting paid by the Clippers?
Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million deal, averaging $14 million per season.
Why didn't the Lakers match or keep Hachimura?
The Lakers needed to free up cap space to execute the Walker Kessler sign-and-trade and sign multiple free agents. They prioritized other players over Hachimura at his $14 million annual price point.
Which other teams offered Hachimura a contract?
The Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, and San Antonio Spurs all made offers, but Hachimura chose to stay in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
How did Kawhi Leonard's trade affect this signing?
The Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors earlier in the offseason, creating a need for a versatile forward. Hachimura's ability to play similar floor positions made him a natural fit for the team's new direction.
What were Hachimura's stats in the 2026 playoffs?
He averaged 17.5 points on 54.9% from the field and an NBA-best 56.9% from three-point range (minimum 5.0 attempts per game).
For Lakers fans:: The roster is undergoing a complete rebuild in the post-LeBron era. Hachimura's departure, while notable, was a financial necessity as the team reshapes its identity around younger talent.
For Clippers fans:: Hachimura brings elite three-point shooting and playoff-proven scoring to a team in transition. His $14 million annual salary is a reasonable bet on a player entering his prime years.
For NBA observers:: This move signals that the Clippers are not entering a full rebuild despite trading Kawhi Leonard. They are retooling with versatile, high-IQ players like Hachimura and targeting young talent like Peyton Watson.
For fantasy basketball players:: Hachimura's role should expand with the Clippers, potentially increasing his usage rate and statistical output compared to his time with the Lakers, where he was often the fourth or fifth option.
Do you think Hachimura will thrive with the Clippers, or will the Lakers regret letting him walk? Let us know your thoughts!
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