Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images/Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura find himself roped into dating rumors with rapper Doja Cat and a hilarious, if not outright disgusted, response to the suggestion that there was a romance between the two.
In an Instagram comment on a post suggesting that he and Doja Cat were dating, Rui Hachimura replied “Man f— no!” with a laughing emoji, leaving zero room for interpretation over how he feels about Doja Cat.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura said ‘f— no’ to a rumor that he’s dating rapper Doja Cat in an Instagram comment
rui had to clear the air QUICK pic.twitter.com/KIRqStqW99
— ۟ (@ruireaves) January 28, 2026
Hachimura, 27 years old, has been with the Los Angeles Lakers since 2023 and is averaging 12.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this season.
He was drafted 9th overall out of Gonzaga University by the Washington Wizards in the 2019 NBA Draft before being trade to Los Angeles in January 2023 in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks. For his career, the Japan international is averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, released her debut EP Purrr! in 2014 and her first studio album Amala in 2018. Her 2018 song “Moo”, in which she raps about being a cow, was a massively viral hit at the time, amassing over 578 million views.
Since Amala, Doja Cat has release another four studio albums: Hot Pink in 2019, Planet Her in 2021, Scarlet in 2023 and Vie in 2025. In 2022, she received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her song “Kiss Me More” alongside SZA.