Lakers’ $51 Million Star Rui Hachimura Shuts Down Doja Cat Dating Rumors Instantly

Los Angeles Lakers star Rui Hachimura speaks out on Doja Cat dating rumors after an internet became curious about the pair.

Lakers’ $51 Million Star Rui Hachimura Shuts Down Doja Cat Dating Rumors Instantly

Rui Hachimura and Doja Cat (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Rui Hachimura has seen a change in his role since his return from a calf injury. The Japanese international has come off the bench in his last ten games for the Los Angeles Lakers. He came off the bench once again as the Lakers recorded a 142-111 blowout of the Washington Wizards at the Capitol One Arena on Friday night.

In the midst of a long eight-game road trip, Rui Hachimura‘s impact off the bench has seen the Lakers come out on top in four of their last six away games. While the Lakers have suffered a drop in form over the last few weeks, the win on Friday improved their record to 29-18 as they sit at fifth place in the Western Conference standings.

Luka Doncic, who is the focal point of this team, posted a triple double as he had a stat line of 37 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Deandre Ayton recorded 28 points and 13 rebounds while a 41-year-old LeBron James scored 20 points to go along with six assists. Meanwhile, Hachimura led the scorers from the bench with 11 points.

There were some speculation over the last few days surrounding the 27-year-old’s dating life. The rumors began to heat up when Instagram account Durant posted a photo showing a smiling Hachimura with his arm wrapped around American rapper Doja Cat. 

There were several comments on the post but one comment caught everyone’s attention and it was the Lakers star himself. Hachimura commented, “Mann f— no.”

Celebrity dating rumors have always had a way of slowly and steadily getting blown out of proportion. However, Hachimura caught wind of the post and decided to take to the comments to clear the air and shutting down any further speculations.

Rui Hachimura has found a new role with the Lakers

Hachimura started off the 2025-26 campaign as a starter. However, despite the Lakers’ strong start to the season, many still do not view them as championship contenders this year due to their poor defense. But after the forward suffered a calf injury, head coach JJ Redick made a few tweaks to the starting lineup.

Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia were brought into the starting lineup. Since coming off the bench, Hachimura has been averaging 10.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 23 minutes. Overall, the Lakers forward is currently averaging 12.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 36 appearances this season.

The Japanese basketball star was spotted channeling his inner sumo wrestler in Japan during the offseason as he worked on his fitness and strength. It was an unconventional method but he has grown to be an important player in this Lakers roster this season.

Rui Hachimura could be moved at the trade deadline

There have been reports that the Lakers may make a trade to bolster their squad before the trade deadline. It appears that Hachimura may be on his way out based on the latest reports. The Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have discussed a potential trade that would send Hachimura and Dalton Knecht to Cleveland in exchange for De’Andre Hunter.

Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura (Image credits – Lakers Nation/X)

A third team may be involved in the potential trade as well to work out all the details. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com spoke about the potential trade on the latest Wine and Gold Talk podcast.

My sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De’Andre Hunter of Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht and then bringing in a third team. There are third teams that could be helpful. Brooklyn has the lowest salary number of any team in the NBA. They might be a destination that is willing to take some salary.

Chris Fedor spoke on the Rui Hachimura trade rumor

The 2025-26 campaign is Hachimura’s fourth season with the Lakers. Over four seasons with the Lakers, he has started 132 of 196 games. It remains to be seen if the Japanese forward gets traded at the trade deadline or continues to don the purple and gold.

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