Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura picked a good time to have a career year and stellar postseason as this summer marks the first time he reached unrestricted free agency.
There was mutual interest at the start of the offseason in Hachimura returning to the Lakers, but there was also plenty of interest from other teams as well. Ultimately, the Japan native has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN:
Just in: Free agent Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Cixx1ZGPV3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2026
This is a solid pay day for the 28-year-old former No. 9 overall pick. It does come as a bit of a surprise that he didn’t get more though as he has been a key piece for the Lakers in recent years, and especially in 2025-26.
In 68 games (41 starts) for the Lakers last season, Hachimura averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from 3-point range on 3.9 attempts per game. He set the franchise record for 3-point shooting percentage, which is a skill he has worked a lot on in recent years.
Hachimura stepped up his game even more in the postseason when he averaged 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 54.9% from the field and a ridiculous 56.9% from deep on 5.8 attempts. He shot at least 50% from 3 in all 10 of the Lakers’ playoff games.
Shooting is always gonna be a huge need for the Lakers around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so the Lakers needed to find a way to replace Hachimura. The organization appears to be entering a new era after letting Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes all depart in free agency, with LeBron James expected to move on as well.
Rob Pelinka did not waste any time finding some players to take their place though, adding Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili in free agency.
JJ Redick happy for Rui Hachimura’s success
One person who has to be happy to see Hachimura land this new deal is Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who gave praise to the forward after his exceptional postseason run.
“He’s played great for us in these playoffs and had some great moments last year as well,” Redick said. “I’m happy for him because any time a guy that you care about is playing great basketball under the circumstances and under a lot of pressure that the playoffs bring, you feel a sense of joy for them… He’s a true laser and I think he’s just been, we talked this series, we talked in the Houston series, the decisiveness. I think he’s done a great job just being decisive knowing when to attack closeouts and when to shoot.”
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