Rui Hachimura Appreciated Love & Enjoyed Seeing Former Lakers Teammates

Rui Hachimura returned to Crypto.com Arena on Friday night as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers to face his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura, who played three and a half seasons with the Lakers, joked by walking toward the Lakers locker room before the game and received a tribute video during the first quarter. Despite the Lakers defeating the Clippers, Hachimura expressed appreciation for the warm reception from fans and former teammates.

Hachimura joined the Clippers in free agency after he and the Lakers failed to agree on a new contract. Reflecting on the matchup, Hachimura shared playful interactions with former teammate Luka Doncic and noted that while he missed the Lakers, he is focused on his eighth NBA season with the Clippers. Lakers guard Austin Reaves also fondly recalled his time playing alongside Hachimura.