Rui Hachimura returned to Crypto.com Arena on Friday night for the first time since leaving the Lakers, now facing his former team as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. The forward, who spent four seasons with the Lakers before signing with the Clippers in free agency this offseason, was met with a warm but complex reception from the home crowd as the Lakers secured a 125-117 victory over their crosstown rivals.

Hachimura received a loud ovation when introduced in the Clippers’ starting lineup, and the Lakers honored his tenure with a video tribute during the first timeout. However, the atmosphere shifted as the game progressed, with some fans expressing frustration when Hachimura scored, including a shouted “Traitor!” during a tightly contested first half. Hachimura, who signed a two-year, $28 million contract to remain in Los Angeles, acknowledged his affection for the Lakers while emphasizing that it was time to move forward with his new team.

“It was amazing,” Hachimura said of his time with the Lakers. “I had a great time with them. The organization, yeah, of course I miss them, but it was time to move on. It was special, my four years, four seasons with them. I’m happy with the Clippers right now, and I gotta keep growing my career.”

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, who also played for the Lakers during his NBA career, described the experience of returning to his former home arena from the opposing bench as strange and disorienting. “Just being on the other side, the other bench, in the other locker room, it was just really weird,” Lue said. He recalled playing against players who had helped shape his career and noted the emotional challenge of the setting.

Before tipoff, Hachimura shared warm moments with former Lakers associates, including assistant coach Beau Levesque and guard Austin Reaves, a close friend who initially mistook Hachimura’s quiet demeanor for a language barrier. Reaves praised Hachimura’s character and talent, expressing that he misses playing alongside him.

During his Lakers tenure, Hachimura developed into one of the team’s most reliable shooters. Originally drafted ninth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2019, he improved his three-point shooting from 35.6% in Washington to 44.3% in his last season with the Lakers. His postseason three-point shooting percentage of 51.6% remains the highest in NBA history.

In the game, Hachimura took on a larger offensive role with the Clippers, registering the second-most shot attempts on his team, finishing with 16 points on 5-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. While his efficiency has declined compared to his Lakers’ output—shooting 29.6% overall and 38.5% from three this season—coach Lue pointed to the adjustment period as Hachimura adapts to being a key focus in opposing defenses. Lue highlighted areas for improvement, such as quicker decision-making and attacking in transition.

The game featured a friendly exchange before the tipoff as Luka Doncic, Hachimura’s former teammate and occasional rival, greeted him warmly. Despite on-court competitiveness, the two shared a lighthearted camaraderie. After Hachimura hit an early three-pointer over Doncic, the Mavericks star feigned frustration but acknowledged their good relationship.

“I don’t like Rui,” Doncic said with a smile after the contest. “Nah, it was just great to see him. He’s my guy.”

The Clippers are now 1-1 this season as Hachimura seeks to carve out a more prominent role with his new team.