Rui Hachimura is set to swap one side of Crypto.com Arena for the other, as the 28-year-old forward is reportedly leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. A regular starter for the Lakers last season, he would stay in L.A. but change locker rooms in what has already been a hectic offseason for both franchises. If the agreement is finalized, the Clippers gain another floor-spacing wing while the Lakers lose one of their more reliable 3-point threats, adding another twist to this summer's L.A. basketball shuffle.
The initial word of the deal came from ESPN insider Shams Charania and was later detailed by the New York Post, which cites Charania's reporting that Hachimura agreed to a two-year, $28 million pact with the Clippers.
Hachimura’s Recent Form and Role
Hachimura has developed into a starting forward known for his shooting touch and off-ball spacing, and he carried that form into the playoffs. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, he averaged 17.5 points in the postseason while posting efficient shooting numbers, and his basic profile is outlined on ESPN. That blend of size and perimeter scoring is a big part of why he attracted attention around the league this summer.
What It Means for the Lakers
For the Lakers, losing Hachimura would be another sizable change for a roster already in motion. Per Hoodline coverage of the team's earlier work, the Lakers recently locked in Austin Reaves on a four-year, $185 million extension, and that deal is one of several moves reshaping Los Angeles' cap picture. The front office now faces decisions about how to replace Hachimura's presence on the wing and how to allocate the remaining resources around its core.
Why the Clippers Might Have Signed Him
For the Clippers, Hachimura offers floor spacing and a switchable forward who can draw defensive attention beyond the arc. NBA.com has highlighted players with Hachimura’s shooting profile as valuable fits in modern rotations, and his addition would give the Clippers a relatively low-risk, high-fit piece this summer. How he is deployed, as a starter or key reserve, will depend on how L.A.'s other moves settle in the coming days.
The report originates with ESPN and has circulated widely; this story will be updated when either team posts an official confirmation or the NBA transaction log reflects the deal.
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