Following the shocking departure of LeBron James, another key rotation piece has now left the Los Angeles Lakers.
After weeks of speculation, Rui Hachimura has agreed to sign a two-year, $28 million deal with the rival Los Angeles Clippers.
Lakers Lose Rui Hachimura to Clippers
Hachimura established himself as a key player for the Lakers after joining the franchise in 2022-23. Now, he will be suiting up for their crosstown rivals next season after agreeing to a deal with the Clippers.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news on social media, announcing the details of Hachimura’s contract.
“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,” he wrote on X.
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
Charania added that the Clippers were keen to acquire Hachimura via a sign-and-trade deal with the Lakers. However, the Lakers did not play ball, so the Clippers went ahead and signed Hachimura as a free agent.
“Hachimura and his agent Darren Matsubara of The Team came to an understanding with the Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together. The sides waited for the Lakers to complete their offseason business to pursue a sign-and-trade, but the Lakers didn’t cooperate on an agreement,” he wrote. “So the Clippers and Hachimura moved forward to keep him in his desired location of LA.”
Hachimira and his agent Darren Matsubara of THE•TEAM came to an understanding with the Clippers early in free agency on finding a deal together. The sides waited for the Lakers to complete their offseason business to pursue a sign-and-trade, but the Lakers didn’t cooperate on an… https://t.co/3v2hzswKm6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2026
The Lakers reportedly decided against bringing Hachimura back after his three-year, $51 million contract expired. Rob Pelinka and Co. have heavily retooled the Lakers’ roster in recent weeks following the departures of James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton (via trade), and Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga, who is an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option. Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 36 games last season while shooting 46.3% from the field. Meanwhile, Hachimura averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game for the Lakers, shooting 51.4% from the field.
Whether Kuminga would be an upgrade over Hachimura remains to be seen. However, the Lakers could well be prioritizing the 23-year-old given his age and untapped potential, as he is five years younger than Hachimura.
The Lakers appear to be building for the future around the trio of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler.
As for Hachimura, he joins a Clippers roster that’s also ushering in a new era after trading Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
