Free agent and former Lakers forward Rui Hachimura will not have to move too far. In fact, he probably won’t have to move at all.
On Monday, the Clippers announced that they have signed Hachimura.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, it’s a two-year, $28 million deal for Hachimura.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank is happy to add Hachimura to the roster.
“Rui is an elite three-point shooter and an efficient mid-range scorer who uses his size to exploit mismatches,” said Frank in a statement. “He will strengthen our frontcourt with his one-on-one defense and ability to space the floor. Rui is also a well-liked and respected teammate who continues to grow his game. We’re excited to add him.”
Hachimura, 28, averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 28.3 minutes in 68 games (41 starts) last season with the Lakers. He shot 51.4% (307-597) from the field and 44.3% (116-262) from three-point range, which ranked fifth highest in the NBA. Hachimura scored in double figures 42 times, including seven 20-point performances. Across 10 postseason contests, Hachimura averaged 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 38.6 minutes.
A native of Toyama, Japan, Hachimura holds career averages of 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 27.8 minutes in 405 games (264 starts) with the Wizards and Lakers. Hachimura was originally drafted ninth overall by Washington in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga.
