Rui Hachimura Swaps Lakers Fans to Clippers in Surprising Jersey Exchange

Rui Hachimura has left the Los Angeles Lakers behind and is eager for his supporters to move on with him. On his Instagram @blacksamurai, a video shows him handing a Clippers jersey to a fan who was initially sporting Hachimura's No. 28 Lakers jersey. The forward asked the fan to trade that for the Clippers gear.

"This one looks way cooler," Hachimura said about the new jersey, adding an appeal: "Everyone, please go buy the Clippers jersey."

New Beginnings with the Clippers

Hachimura signed a two-year contract worth $28 million with the Clippers this past July. He spent four seasons with the Lakers, averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, boasting a 51.4% shooting percentage overall and 44.3% from beyond the arc during the 2025-26 season.

His arrival comes at a troubled time for the Clippers franchise. They've lost five first-round draft picks, were fined $30 million, and face potential suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank. The Clippers have long been overshadowed by their city rivals, the Lakers, and now they face a critical season to rebuild trust after a major summer controversy.

Apologies and Hope from Team Leadership

At media day, interim basketball operations president Trent Redden addressed fans directly:

"Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we’re sorry. We’ve been listening to the thoughts, the concerns and feeling the emotions of our fan base. They mean everything to us. … We hope to fulfill our promises to them, to build their trust and move forward through this time."

Redden emphasized the team’s resilience, saying, "This franchise often has done its best work with its back against the wall … We hope to represent our fans the same way we always have in dark times, by coming out fighting."

Building a New Fan Base

The Clippers are trying hard to keep their supporters loyal amid the turmoil. Yet, it seems Hachimura is aiming to win over some Lakers fans as he begins his first season with his new team.

• Player: Rui Hachimura
• Previous team: Los Angeles Lakers
• New team: Los Angeles Clippers
• Contract: Two years, $28 million
• Lakers stats (2025-26): 11.5 points/game, 3.3 rebounds/game, 51.4% FG, 44.3% 3PT
• Clippers penalties: Five first-round picks lost, $30 million fine, possible suspensions