The Los Angeles Lakers underwent significant roster changes this summer as they embraced a new approach to building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The duo is now officially the face of the franchise.
That shift meant parting ways with several players Lakers fans had grown accustomed to seeing over the years. One of the biggest names was Rui Hachimura, who signed with the cross-town 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.
During the summer, Hachimura discussed why he chose to sign with the Clippers.
"Above all, being able to stay in LA is the best outcome for me," Hachimura said. "They support their players of course, their families and inner circles from what I hear. Plus they have a brand new arena with advanced physical and medical support and all kinds of useful tools for physical training. I'm really looking forward to all of it."
On Monday, the former Lakers Swiss Army knife revealed the harsh reality of playing in Los Angeles and explained why the pressure can be so difficult to handle.
“They think that [only] one season, I was good, but I keep doing it. I consistently — like three years in a row — was shooting 45 percent on threes and 50 or 60 percent from mid-range, and I was always top five in shooting for three years. It's, of course, because of the team and how we operated. We had LeBron [James], [Anthony Davis], Luka [Doncic],” Hachimura told ClutchPoints. “But also, it's tough to play for the Lakers. It's a big crowd, big shine. The lights are brighter. The thing I always say is that I've always had that, but it's just what the team's situation is.”
There is no doubt that satisfying the Lakers faithful is difficult, as they are one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The franchise faces enormous expectations to field a competitive team and make a deep playoff run every season.
Hachimura had a productive tenure with the Lakers, but he felt the energy shift during a season when his shooting may not have been as effective. That pressure comes with playing for one of the biggest organizations in professional sports.
