Rui Hachimura Swaps Lakers Fans to Clippers in Surprising Jersey Exchange
Rui Hachimura Encourages Lakers Fans to Embrace Clippers
After moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers, Rui Hachimura is keen for his supporters to follow suit. On his official Instagram account @blacksamurai, a video surfaced showing Hachimura handing over a Clippers jersey to a young fan.
The boy was originally sporting Hachimura's No. 28 Lakers jersey, but the forward persuaded him to trade it for the fresh Clippers gear instead.
This one looks way cooler, Hachimura said about the Clippers uniform. Everyone, please go buy the Clippers jersey.
Hachimura’s Journey From Lakers to Clippers
In July, Hachimura inked a two-year, $28 million contract with the Clippers. He spent parts of four seasons with the Lakers, posting averages of 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. During the 2025-26 season, he shot 51.4% overall and nailed 44.3% from beyond the arc.
Clippers Face Challenges Amidst New Season
The switch comes as the Clippers wrestle with a tough period. The team lost five first-round draft picks, was fined $30 million, and faces suspensions involving owner Steve Ballmer and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. The franchise has long struggled to escape the shadow cast by their crosstown rivals, the Lakers.
The 2026-27 season is crucial for the Clippers as they attempt to regain trust following the summer's turmoil.
Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we’re sorry, said interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden at media day. We’ve been listening to the thoughts, concerns, and feelings of our fan base. They mean everything to us. We hope to fulfill our promises, rebuild trust, and move forward through this time.
This franchise often does its best work when pushed to the edge. We intend to represent our fans by coming out fighting in dark times.
Adding Lakers Fans to the Clippers Fold
While the Clippers work to keep their existing fans, Hachimura seems eager to win over Lakers supporters ahead of his debut season with the team.
- Player: Rui Hachimura
- Previous Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Current Team: Los Angeles Clippers
- Contract: Two years, $28 million
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 51.4% FG, 44.3% 3P%
- Fan Interaction: Gifted Clippers jersey to Lakers fan
