LOS ANGELES - Japanese star Rui Hachimura vowed Monday to help lead the Los Angeles Clippers as his new team prepared to open a training camp the following day.
"As I'm entering the veteran stage of my career, I'll have to lead the team," Hachimura said at a news conference at the Clippers' home arena in Inglewood, California.
The 28-year-old Hachimura has joined the Clippers from the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year contract.
Asked why he chose the Clippers, Hachimura said he believed the organization takes good care of its players and is committed to winning, adding that staying in Los Angeles would also benefit him.
"I hope I can bring the experience I've built up over the years, along with my physical play and shooting, to this team," Hachimura said ahead of his eighth NBA season.
Separately, Japan guard Yuki Kawamura, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract that gives him the chance to compete for a roster spot, said his immediate goal is to earn a two-way contract that would allow him to play in NBA games while competing in the developmental G League.
