Rui Hachimura’s path out of Los Angeles took a sharp turn this summer, but the forward isn’t carrying any bitterness into his first meetings with his old team.
According to Janis Carr of The Orange County Register, Hachimura wanted to remain with the Lakers in free agency, but the team told him it did not want to re-sign him. He landed with the crosstown Clippers on a two-year, $28MM deal instead. Even with that split, Hachimura said he still values his time in purple and gold and is looking ahead to Friday’s matchup and another one next Wednesday.
“ It was a great three, four seasons with the Lakers,” Hachimura said. “ I had a great time.
They took really good care of me. I appreciate the organization (but) it was time to move on.
“ I’m happy that I’m here, with the Clippers, one of the best organizations and to have this arena, the coaching staff, trainers, everybody. So, I’m happy that I’m here, it’s just a different team.”
The Clippers also got a strong first impression from their newest rookie, Keaton Wagler. The No. 5 overall pick made his regular season debut a memorable one in Sacramento, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and just one turnover in 29 minutes during a victory over the Kings. Wagler, 19, said he wasn’t feeling any pregame nerves and was pleased to open with a win.
“ It’s always good to start it off with a dub and play well,” he said. “ Just got to continue to build on that and get better each day.”
On the Lakers’ side, Collin Sexton is set to finally make his debut Friday against the Clippers after missing the entire preseason and Wednesday’s opener because of a right soleus strain. Sexton is not listed on the injury report for the game, though Jake LaRavia is questionable with a left ankle sprain. Cameron Carr, dealing with a right oblique strain, and Adou Thiero, who has a left knee effusion, remain out.
The Kings will also be waiting on Malik Monk, who sat out both the preseason and Wednesday’s game while dealing with left ankle soreness. Monk is making $20.2MM this season and holds a $21.6MM option for next season.
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