Rui Hachimura, Lakers
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Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Houston Rockets.
The Los Angeles Lakers could be closer to getting a key rotation piece back.
Forward Rui Hachimura has been upgraded to questionable ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets after missing the team’s last two games with right calf soreness.
Hachimura sat out Monday’s 113-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons, an absence that coincided with the end of the Lakers’ nine-game winning streak. He also missed Wednesday’s 137-130 win over the Indiana Pacers despite being upgraded to questionable before tipoff, ultimately being ruled out late.
Injury Not Considered Serious
Head coach JJ Redick previously indicated that Hachimura’s injury is not expected to be a long-term issue.
“Rui, I guess, got hit at some point in the Miami game, his calf, and so it tightened up on him in the Orlando game,” Redick said. “Imaging was clean, so he’s just kind of day to day.”
The Lakers have since listed Hachimura under right calf injury management, signaling a cautious approach as they monitor his recovery.
He is expected to test the calf again before Friday’s game, at which point the team will determine his availability.
Return Would Boost Lakers’ Spacing
If cleared to return, Hachimura would provide the Lakers with a valuable floor-spacing option in a lineup built around star playmakers.
The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds this season while shooting 43.8% from three-point range, making him one of the team’s most efficient perimeter threats.
His shooting presence is particularly important in lineups featuring Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, all of whom command defensive attention and benefit from reliable catch-and-shoot options on the wing.
That spacing has been a key element in the Lakers’ recent offensive success, particularly during their 5-1 road trip that helped solidify their position near the top of the Western Conference standings.
If he’s able to play, Hachimura could also see an expanded role with Marcus Smart ruled out, creating additional minutes on the wing.
Lakers Role Has Shifted Throughout Season
Hachimura’s role has fluctuated throughout the season, alternating between the starting lineup and a bench role depending on matchups and rotation needs.
His minutes have been impacted in part by Smart’s emergence as a defensive anchor, giving the Lakers added versatility on that end of the floor.
In a reserve capacity, Hachimura has embraced a scoring-focused role, averaging 8.6 points in 23.3 minutes across 24 games off the bench.
His ability to provide instant offense has made him a key contributor regardless of role, particularly in lineups that require additional shooting and scoring punch.
Availability Remains Game-Time Decision
Despite the upgrade to questionable, Hachimura’s status remains uncertain.
His late scratch in Indiana underscores the team’s cautious approach, particularly as the Lakers look to maintain health heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
At 47-26, Los Angeles holds the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and is trending toward another 50-win campaign.
With the postseason approaching, maintaining lineup continuity will be a priority, making Hachimura’s availability a key factor as the Lakers manage their rotation in the coming games.