Rui Hachimura wanted to stay with Lakers in free agency this summer, but they told him they didn’t want to re-sign him, according to Janice Carr of The Orange County Register. Instead, the Japanese forward signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the crosstown rival Clippers.
Still, Hachimura has only good things to say about the Lakers, and he’s looking forward to facing them on Friday and next Wednesday.
“It was a great three or four seasons with the Lakers.” said Hachimura.I had a great time. They took very good care of me. I appreciate the organization (but) it’s time to move on.
“I’m blessed to be here with the Clippers, one of the best organizations, and have this arena, the coaching staff, the coaches, everybody. So I’m happy to be here, it’s just a different team.”
Here’s more from the Pacific Ocean:
- It was a successful — and winning — debut in the regular season at No. 5 overall Keaton Waglerwrites Carr in the same work. New recruit Clippers The guard had 15 points, five rebounds, five assists (against one loss) and two steals in 29 minutes in Los Angeles’ win over Sacramento. Wagler, 19, said he wasn’t nervous before the game. “It’s always good to start dubbing and play well“, he said.”You just have to keep building on it and getting better every day.”
- After missing the entire preseason and the season opener on Wednesday with a sprained right soleus (calf), the free agent addition Colin Sexton will do his own thing Lakers debut Friday against the Clips, tweets Jovan Bukha. Sexton is not on Friday’s injury report, but Jake Laravia doubtful for sprained left ankle and Cameron Carr (right bias voltage) and Goodbye Tierra (left knee effusion) remain sidelined.
- Another veteran guard who was ruled out during the preseason and Wednesday – Malik Monk with The necklaces — Likely to suit up for Friday’s home opener against Portland, per Sean Cunningham of KCRA News (Link to Twitter). Monk, who is making $20.2 million this season and has a $21.6 million option for next season, has battled a sore left ankle this fall.
