Hachimura heads across L.A. as Clippers land former Lakers forward

Rui Hachimura. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Rui Hachimura heads across Los Angeles as Clippers land former Lakers forward

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 6, 2026 12:05 PM ET

Rui Hachimura isn't leaving Los Angeles; he's simply changing arenas for the next two seasons.

Rui Hachimura is going from L.A. to L.A.

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Hachimura will be joining the Los Angeles Clippers after spending the past several seasons with their city rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hachimura reportedly agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers. He was stellar in the playoffs for the Lakers, and, interestingly enough, is the best postseason three-point shooter of all-time.

Rui Hachimura in 2026 playoffs:

17.5 PPG
3.3 3PG
56.9% 3PT

Hachimura has the highest career playoff 3P% in NBA history (51.6%). pic.twitter.com/PwsbdWVClw
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) July 6, 2026

Rui Hachimura will add to an already dangerous shooting team

A career 39.4% shooter from three-point range, Hachimura will be joining a Clippers team that ranked seventh in the NBA and third in the Western Conference last season in team three-point percentage at 36.8%.

Hachimura shot 44.3% from three in the 2025-26 season, his best mark since his career year of 44.7% back in the 2021-22 season.

What will Rui Hachimura's role be with Clippers?

With the Clippers acquiring Brandon Ingram in the massive Kawhi Leonard trade, Hachimura will likely slot into the starting power forward role, replacing Derrick Jones Jr.

With Ingram and the recently acquired Darius Garland in the starting five, it is likely that Hachimura will serve as a role player and have all his offensive focus be on knocking down threes and playing serviceable defense.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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