Clippers reportedly outbid Warriors, T-Wolves, Spurs for $28M ex-Laker veteran playoff performer

The Los Angeles Lakers had Rui Hachimura on their roster for the past three seasons, and he consistently stepped up in the playoffs. Because of that, many expected him to return to Los Angeles for another season.

Hachimura will indeed remain in California, but he'll be suiting up for the rival Los Angeles Clippers.

“Free agent Rui Hachimura has agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal to sign with the LA Clippers, sources tell ESPN. 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 one, according to a source close to Hachimura,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

With Hachimura's departure, the Lakers have now lost seven players from last season's roster in free agency.

“That officially does it. The Los Angeles Lakers had LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, and Nick Smith Jr. hit free agency. All of them have either already departed or are expected to be gone. The latest Hachimura news sealed the deal on that,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

Hachimura was one of the top role players available, and several contenders pursued the veteran forward. Ultimately, the Clippers landed him despite interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Brooklyn Nets.

“The Nets, Spurs, Timberwolves, and Warriors all made free agent offers to Rui Hachimura, but he refused to leave Los Angeles, per Shams Charania. Hachimura was only open to re-signing with the Lakers or going to the Clippers,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Clippers are getting younger after being one of the oldest teams in the league last season. Adding Hachimura is a significant boost, as he is an excellent mid-range scorer and a reliable threat from beyond the arc.

Hachimura wanted to return to the Lakers, but the organization ultimately chose a different direction, allowing him to join its cross-town rival. Now, he'll have every opportunity to make the Lakers regret letting him walk.

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