Rui Hachimura Swaps Lakers Jersey for Clippers in Unexpected Fan Exchange

Rui Hachimura has moved on from the Los Angeles Lakers, and he's making a clear effort for his supporters to follow suit. On his official Instagram handle @blacksamurai, a video surfaced showing Hachimura giving a Clippers jersey to a fan who was originally sporting his No. 28 Lakers jersey.

“This one looks way cooler,” Hachimura said, pointing to the Clippers gear. He urged everyone to consider buying the Clippers jersey.

From Lakers to Clippers: A New Chapter

In July, Hachimura inked a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. During his four seasons with the Lakers, he averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 51.4% overall and an impressive 44.3% from beyond the arc in the 2025-26 season.

Challenges for the Clippers Organization

The Clippers are currently navigating a turbulent period. The franchise lost five first-round draft picks, was fined $30 million, and faces suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. The team has long struggled to emerge from the Lakers' shadow, and this scandal adds to their difficulties.

The upcoming 2026-27 season stands as a critical moment to regain trust and rebuild fan support after the summer's controversy.

Addressing Fans and Moving Forward

At media day, interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden publicly apologized on behalf of the team.

“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.”

He added, “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.”

Hachimura’s Role in Expanding the Clippers Fanbase

While the Clippers focus on retaining their current supporters, Hachimura seems intent on drawing in fans from the Lakers side ahead of his first season with the team.

• Fan Exchange: A young fan swapped his Lakers No. 28 jersey for a Clippers one at Hachimura’s request.
• Hachimura’s Stats with Lakers: 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 51.4% FG, 44.3% 3PT (2025-26)
• Clippers Penalties: Five first-round picks lost, $30 million fine, suspensions looming for key figures
• Apology Issued: Interim President Trent Redden addressed fans directly at media day