Rui Hachimura Swaps Lakers Loyalty for Clippers in Bold Fan Gesture
After leaving the Lakers, Rui Hachimura is encouraging his supporters to make the switch alongside him. A video shared on his official Instagram @blacksamurai shows Hachimura handing a Clippers jersey to a fan who was originally sporting his No. 28 Lakers jersey.
Hachimura requested the fan trade the Lakers gear for the Clippers alternative. "This one looks way cooler," he remarked about the new jersey. "Everyone, please go buy the Clippers jersey."
Career and Contract Overview
In July, Hachimura signed a two-year contract worth $28 million with the Clippers. His tenure with the Lakers spanned parts of four seasons, where he averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. During the 2025-26 season, he shot an impressive 51.4% overall and 44.3% from beyond the arc.
Clippers Face Challenges Amid Transition
The Clippers are currently navigating turbulent waters. The franchise lost five first-round picks, faced a $30 million fine, and saw owner Steve Ballmer along with president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank facing suspensions. This ordeal comes as the team struggles to step out from the Lakers' shadow.
The 2026-27 season stands as a critical moment for the Clippers to rebuild trust with their fan base following a major summer scandal.
"Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we’re sorry," said interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden during Clippers media day. "We’ve been listening to the thoughts, the concerns and feeling the emotions of our fan base. They mean everything to us. … We hope to fulfill our promises to them, to build their trust and move forward through this time.""This franchise often has done its best work with its back against the wall … We hope to represent our fans the same way we always have in dark times, by coming out fighting."
Building Bridges Between Fans
The Clippers aim to hold on to their current followers, yet Hachimura seems determined to attract Lakers fans into the fold before his first season with the team kicks off.
