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NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County

Rui Hachimura plays first game against Los Angeles Lakers as a Clipper

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura returned to Crypto.com Arena to face his former team for the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 16 points in a 125-117 Lakers victory. Hachimura signed a two-year, $28-million contract with the Clippers in free agency after spending four seasons with the Lakers.

SportsBasketballNational Basketball AssociationLos Angeles LakersLos Angeles Clippers
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times

Why It Matters

The game marked the first time a key rotation shooter from the Lakers' recent playoff runs competed against his former teammates after switching to a crosstown rival on a $28-million contract.

Key Facts

  • Rui Hachimura played his first game against the Los Angeles Lakers as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at Crypto.com Arena.
  • The Lakers defeated the Clippers 125-117, with Hachimura scoring 16 points.
  • The Lakers played a video tribute during the first timeout to honor Hachimura's four years with the franchise.
  • Hachimura joined the Clippers in free agency on a two-year, $28-million contract.
  • During his final season with the Lakers, Hachimura shot 44.3% from the three-point line.
  • Hachimura holds the highest career postseason three-point shooting percentage in NBA history at 51.6%.
  • In his first games with the Clippers, Hachimura averaged 13 points and seven rebounds while shooting 29.6% from the field and 38.5% from three.

Who's Mentioned

PersonLuka Doncic“Lakers player who matched up against Hachimura”OrganizationHouston Rockets“Team defeated by the Lakers in the playoffs”PersonJJ Redick“Lakers coach”OrganizationOklahoma City Thunder“Team that defeated the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals”PersonRui Hachimura“Forward playing his first game against the Lakers as a member of the Clippers”PersonTyronn Lue“Clippers coach discussing Hachimura's transition”PersonLeBron James“Lakers player”locationWashington“City associated with Hachimura's prior NBA team”PersonBeau Levesque“Lakers assistant and player development coach”PersonAustin Reaves“Lakers guard and former teammate of Hachimura”locationCrypto.com Arena“Arena in Los Angeles hosting the game”PersonMichael Jordan“Reference point used by JJ Redick for Hachimura's mid-range game”