- Oct 16, 2026
- 0
- 0
SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Rui Hachimura will face his former team twice this week after the Lakers chose not to retain the Japanese forward in free agency.
Hachimura, who wanted to stay with the Lakers, instead signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers. The move came after the Lakers told him they did not wish to re-sign him, according to Janis Carr of The Orange County Register.
Despite the departure, Hachimura offered warm words about his time with his former club. "It was a great three, four seasons with the Lakers," he said. He also noted that they took really good care of him.
Hachimura has been quick to praise his new surroundings, describing the Clippers as one of the best organizations. He pointed to the arena, coaching staff and trainers as particular positives with his new club.
Hachimura is scheduled to play against the Lakers on Friday and again next Wednesday.
Source: Hoops Rumors - Fri Oct 23, 12:27 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).