Rui Hachimura has established himself as one of the most prominent Japanese players in NBA history. As a versatile forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, Hachimura continues to make his mark in the league while serving as an inspiration for basketball fans across Japan and around the world.
His journey from Toyama, Japan to becoming a key contributor for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises showcases his remarkable talent and determination. With his unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Hachimura has carved out an important role for himself in the NBA while also becoming a marketing phenomenon in his home country.
Through the 2024-25 season, Hachimura has continued to develop his game, averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 41.4% from three-point range. His growth as a player has matched his rising profile off the court, where his endorsement portfolio has expanded significantly since entering the league. This article provides a comprehensive look at Hachimura’s life, career, and financial status as of 2025.
Rui Hachimura’s Biography
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Rui Hachimura |
Date of Birth | February 8, 1998 |
Age | 27 years |
Education | Gonzaga University |
Nationality | Japanese |
Height | 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) |
Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
Turned Pro | 2019 |
Net Worth | Approximately $6 million |
Salary (2024-25) | $17,000,000 |
Career Earnings | $53,302,767 (through 2024-25) |
Relationship Status | Single |
Early Career
Rui Hachimura was born on February 8, 1998, in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, to a Japanese mother, Makiko, and a Beninese father, Zakari Jabil. His multicultural background would later become part of his unique story as a basketball player. The name “Rui” means “base” or “fortress” in Japanese and was given to him by his grandfather, who was an avid baseball fan. Growing up in Japan, Hachimura was initially drawn to baseball, playing as both a catcher and pitcher before eventually discovering basketball.
Hachimura’s athletic talents became evident during his time at Meisei High School in Sendai, Japan. There, he quickly developed into one of the country’s most promising young basketball players. His dominance on the court led Meisei High School to three consecutive All-Japan High School Tournament championships, a remarkable achievement that brought him national attention.
During the 2013 tournament, he scored 32 points in the championship game, showcasing his scoring ability and competitive drive. His performances at the high school level made him a standout prospect not just in Japan but internationally as well.
In 2015, Hachimura received an invitation to participate in the Jordan Brand Classic, a prestigious high school all-star basketball game featuring some of the best young players from around the world.
This opportunity gave him valuable exposure to international competition and helped raise his profile among college scouts in the United States. His participation in the event marked an important step in his basketball journey, opening doors for his future career abroad.
Hachimura also represented Japan in international youth competitions, serving as a key player for both the Japanese under-17 and under-19 national teams in FIBA tournaments. These experiences on the international stage helped him develop his game against diverse competition while also preparing him for the challenges ahead as he pursued his basketball dreams beyond Japan.
The transition to college basketball in the United States marked a significant challenge for Hachimura. In 2016, he committed to Gonzaga University, becoming just the fifth Japanese-born player to compete in NCAA Division I basketball. The move required tremendous courage, as Hachimura faced not only the challenge of competing at a higher level but also the difficulties of adapting to a new culture and language.
His freshman year at Gonzaga was primarily a learning experience. While the team enjoyed tremendous success, reaching the NCAA Championship Game, Hachimura played limited minutes as he adjusted to the American style of play and worked to overcome the language barrier. Despite these challenges, he showed flashes of the talent that would later blossom. On March 16, 2017, he made history by becoming the first Japanese-born player to appear in the NCAA Tournament.
Professional Career
Rui Hachimura’s professional journey began on June 20, 2019, when the Washington Wizards selected him with the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft. This historic moment made him the first Japanese player ever to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
His selection generated immense interest in Japan, with over 100 Japanese media outlets attending his first post-draft press conference with the Wizards. The significance of this milestone extended beyond Hachimura himself, as he became a symbol of basketball’s growing popularity in Japan.
Hachimura’s rookie season with the Wizards in 2019-20 proved that he belonged in the NBA. Despite the challenges of adapting to the professional game, he averaged 13.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
His ability to score from multiple positions and his physical presence on the court impressed observers around the league. However, like many young players, he struggled with consistency on the defensive end, an area that would require continued development.
During his time with the Wizards, Hachimura steadily improved certain aspects of his game while establishing himself as a reliable rotation player. His mid-range shooting became a particular strength, and he showed the ability to create mismatches against smaller defenders. Despite some injury setbacks that limited his availability at times, he continued to be a valuable contributor for Washington.
A significant turning point in Hachimura’s career came during the 2022-23 season when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises presented him with both new opportunities and challenges.
Playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis meant fewer touches offensively but also created more open looks and learning opportunities. After joining the Lakers, Hachimura showed flashes of his potential, particularly in the playoffs where his scoring ability and defensive versatility proved valuable.
Recognizing his importance to the team, the Lakers signed Hachimura to a three-year, $51 million contract extension in the summer of 2023. This commitment demonstrated the organization’s belief in his continuing development and potential to become an even more impactful player. The contract established Hachimura as a core piece of the Lakers’ supporting cast moving forward.
The 2024-25 season has seen Hachimura continue to grow as a player. Through 56 games, he’s averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting an efficient 50.7% from the field and an impressive 41.4% from three-point range.
His improved outside shooting has been particularly notable, making him a more valuable floor-spacer in the Lakers’ offense. On February 8, 2025, which happened to be his 27th birthday, Hachimura delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring 24 points while grabbing 9 rebounds in a victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Rui Hachimura’s Net Worth Details
Rui Hachimura’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025.
Contract
Hachimura’s current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers runs for three years from 2023 to 2026, worth a total of $51 million fully guaranteed. This contract represents a major financial step up from his rookie deal with the Washington Wizards and reflects the Lakers’ belief in his value to the organization.
The contract includes annual increases, with no player or team options, meaning Hachimura will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026 when he’ll be 28 years old and potentially entering his prime years.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Hachimura’s salary is $17 million, making him the third-highest paid player on the Lakers roster. This figure represents approximately 12.09% of the NBA salary cap for the season. His salary is scheduled to increase to $18,259,259 for the 2025-26 season, the final year of his current contract. This structured increase provides Hachimura with financial security while also maintaining reasonable cap flexibility for the Lakers.
Career Earnings
Season | Team | Salary |
---|---|---|
2019-20 | Washington Wizards | $4,469,160 |
2020-21 | Washington Wizards | $4,692,840 |
2021-22 | Washington Wizards | $4,916,160 |
2022-23 | Washington Wizards/Lakers | $6,263,188 |
2023-24 | Los Angeles Lakers | $15,740,741 |
2024-25 | Los Angeles Lakers | $17,000,000 |
2025-26 | Los Angeles Lakers | $18,259,259 |
Total Career Earnings | $71,341,348 |
Endorsements
Beyond his NBA salary, Hachimura has established himself as one of the most marketable basketball players from Asia. His endorsement portfolio includes several major brands, with his most significant deal being with Nike’s Jordan Brand, which he signed in 2019. Other partnerships include agreements with NEC, NBA 2K, Casio, and Nissin Foods globally, along with Japan-specific deals with companies like SoftBank and SMBC.
Hachimura’s marketability is particularly strong in Japan, where he serves as a national sports hero and basketball ambassador. His bicultural background and pioneering status as the first Japanese player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft have made him especially valuable to brands looking to connect with the Japanese market.
Industry analysts estimated his off-court earnings could reach $10 million annually even early in his career, a figure that has likely grown substantially by 2025 as his profile has continued to rise both in Japan and internationally.
NBA Career Stats
Category | Statistic |
---|---|
Games Played | 56 |
Minutes Per Game | 31.6 |
Points Per Game | 13.1 |
Rebounds Per Game | 5.0 |
Assists Per Game | 1.4 |
Steals Per Game | 0.8 |
Blocks Per Game | 0.4 |
Field Goal % | 50.7% |
Three-Point % | 41.4% |
Free Throw % | 76.4% |
True Shooting % | 61.6% |
Offensive Rebounds Per Game | 1.4 |
Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 3.6 |
Turnovers Per Game | 0.8 |
Plus/Minus | +114 |
FAQs
1. Who is Rui Hachimura and what team does he currently play for?
Rui Hachimura is a Japanese professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. He is a 6’8″ power forward wearing jersey number 28. Hachimura joined the Lakers in January 2023 after beginning his NBA career with the Washington Wizards.
2. When and where was Rui Hachimura born?
Rui Hachimura was born on February 8, 1998, in Toyama, Japan. He is 27 years old as of 2025. His parents are Makiki and Zakari Jabil, and he has two siblings named Allen and Amina Hachimura.
3. What college did Rui Hachimura attend and what were his achievements there?
Rui Hachimura attended Gonzaga University from 2016 to 2019. At Gonzaga, he appeared in 102 games (39 starts), averaging 12.2 points and 4.4 rebounds. His achievements include being named a 2018-19 Consensus First Team All-American, winning the Julius Erving Award, earning WCC Player of the Year honors, and being named MVP of the Maui Invitational tournament.
4. How did Rui Hachimura perform in his rookie NBA season?
In his rookie season (2019-20) with the Washington Wizards, Hachimura averaged 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 48 games while shooting 46.6% from the field. This performance earned him a spot on the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie Second Team on September 15, 2020.
5. When was Rui Hachimura traded to the Los Angeles Lakers?
Rui Hachimura was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on January 23, 2023. The Washington Wizards traded him in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks. He made his Lakers debut two days later, recording 12 points and six rebounds in a win against the San Antonio Spurs.
6. What are Rui Hachimura’s career-high statistics in the NBA?
Rui Hachimura’s career-high in points is 36, achieved on February 14, 2024, in a victory over the Utah Jazz. He recorded a career-high of seven made three-pointers while scoring 32 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 27, 2024. His career-high in rebounds is 13, achieved during the 2021 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers.
7. What international competitions has Rui Hachimura participated in?
Rui Hachimura has represented Japan in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games. At the 2024 Olympics, he averaged 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 32.3 minutes per game for the Japanese national team.
8. What is Rui Hachimura’s significance in Japanese basketball history?
Rui Hachimura is the first Japanese-born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft when he was picked 9th overall in 2019. He is also only the fifth Japanese-born player to have played NCAA Division I basketball. His success has made him a basketball icon in Japan, attracting substantial media attention and growing the sport’s popularity in his home country.
9. What team achievements has Rui Hachimura been part of in the NBA?
Rui Hachimura was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament (also known as the NBA Cup) on December 9, 2023. He also played a vital role in the Lakers’ 2023 NBA Playoff run, where he scored 29 points in his Lakers post-season debut against the Memphis Grizzlies and was tasked with guarding Nikola Jokic in the Western Conference Finals.
10. What are Rui Hachimura’s current season statistics with the Lakers?
In the 2024-25 NBA season (as of March 31, 2025), Rui Hachimura is averaging 12.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 55 games for the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s shooting 50.5% from the field, 41.2% from three-point range, and 76.5% from the free-throw line while playing 31.5 minutes per game.