Rui Hachimura’s first game against the Lakers since leaving in free agency gave him a familiar kind of reunion, even if the final result was another one he’d rather forget. The forward, now with the Clippers, said Friday felt good because it put him back around the people he knew in Los Angeles.
“Yeah, it feels good,” Hachimura said, via Justin Russo. “I miss all those guys, the players, the coaches.
They got some new guys, but the trainers and all that. Yeah, it was good to see them.
It was literally after the last season, so it was a great moment with them. And yeah, I talk some stuff with them, too.
So, yeah, it was a fun time.”
Hachimura’s run with the Lakers began after they acquired him from the Washington Wizards in January 2023. He spent three and a half seasons with the franchise and grew into a well-liked role player before being told this summer that he would not be brought back in free agency. He then chose to remain in Los Angeles, signing a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers that includes a $14 million team option for 2027-28.
The matchup itself wasn’t especially kind to him. Hachimura finished with 16 points on 5-14 shooting, along with six rebounds, one assist, and two steals in the Clippers’ 125-117 loss. Still, he made it clear the memories from his Lakers stint remain positive.
“It was amazing,” Hachimura said. “I had a great time with them… Of course I missed them, but it was time to move on.
Yeah, I think it was special, my four years, four seasons with them. I’m happy with the Clippers right now.”
That new chapter includes facing old teammates sooner than expected. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both glad to see Hachimura on Friday, and Doncic in particular mixed some trash talk into the night.
Asked about those exchanges after the game, Hachimura said Doncic was simply trying to get under his skin.
“He was just trying to talk trash or whatever,” Hachimura said. “But I don’t care about that stuff.
Me and him, I had a good time with him, two years with the Lakers. I’m happy to see him.
He’s healthy, back on the court.”
Doncic, for his part, made it clear the feeling was mutual. He reportedly wanted the Lakers to re-sign Hachimura, and after the game he showed his appreciation again.
“I don’t like Rui,” Doncic said, via The Sporting Tribune. “No, it was just great to see him.
That’s my guy. We had one and a half years together; we’re great friends.
So it was very nice to see him.”
The two won’t have to wait long for another meeting. The Lakers and Clippers play again on Wednesday, the second of four matchups between the Pacific Division rivals this season.
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