"Mann F*ck No": Rui Hachimura Shuts Down Doja Cat Dating Rumors in Viral Response
"Mann F*ck No": Rui Hachimura Shuts Down Doja Cat Dating Rumors in Viral Response
LOS ANGELES — In the NBA, Rui Hachimura is known for his mid-range game and his quiet, professional demeanor. However, the Los Angeles Lakers forward showed he has no problem being loud and clear when it comes to his personal life, emphatically shutting down a viral rumour linking him to Grammy-winning singer/rapper Doja Cat.
The speculation, which began on a social media account, claimed the two were the new "it couple" after being spotted at a private dinner in West Hollywood. Hachimura, 27, wasted no time addressing the "tea", leaving a blunt, three-word comment that has since garnered more likes than the original post itself.
The Post That Set the Net Ablaze
The drama began on Wednesday when a popular meme page, @durant, shared a graphic featuring side-by-side photos of the Lakers star and the "Paint the Town Red" singer. The caption teased: "RUMOUR: Doja Cat and Rui Hachimura are allegedly dating after being spotted at a private dinner... Are they a good couple?"
Within hours, Hachimura appeared in the comment section with a visceral reaction:
"Mann f*ck no 😂," the forward wrote.
The directness of the denial immediately went viral, with fans praising the Japanese superstar for his lack of "PR filter." Social media sleuths were quick to point out that Hachimura has been linked to fitness influencer Briana Delgado for several years, though he rarely discusses his private life publicly.
Doja's Quiet Frontier
Doja Cat has yet to officially comment on the Hachimura rumours, but the timing is curious. The singer/rapper, who recently released her latest album Vie, has had a turbulent year in the headlines regarding her romantic life.
After a very public (and heavily papped) relationship with Stranger Things breakout Joseph Quinn in 2024 and early 2025, reports suggest the two split late last year. In a September 2025 interview with the New York Times, Doja hinted at a new chapter of independence, stating she was "just having fun" and "allowing things to happen" rather than seeking a serious commitment.
Focus on the Trade Deadline
For Hachimura, the distraction comes at a critical juncture in the 2025-2026 NBA season. Despite putting up an efficient 23 points in a recent victory over the Chicago Bulls, Hachimura’s name has been circulating in trade deadline rumors.
Lakers' General Manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly "listening to offers" for the forward as the team looks to fortify the roster around LeBron James and Luka Dončić (who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster move last summer). While Hachimura has excelled in a new bench role under coach JJ Redick, shooting a career-high 43.9% from deep, his "expendable" status makes him a primary talking point for analysts, on and off the court.
Rumour vs. Reality
The "private dinner" mentioned in the viral post appears to have been an invention of social media satire, as no photographs of the pair together have surfaced from any reputable agency.
"Rui is a focused guy," said one Lakers insider. "He knows the L.A. spotlight comes with these kinds of stories, but he’s more worried about the February 5th trade deadline than who people think he's eating dinner with."
As the Lakers prepare for their next road trip, it seems the only "spark" Hachimura is interested in right now is the one coming off his fingertips at the three-point line.
