Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Steps up with 23 points in loss
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Hachimura had 23 points (9-16 FG, 5-8 3Pt), four rebounds and one block across 39 minutes during Wednesday's 103-96 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The Lakers opted for a small-ball lineup against the Timberwolves, requiring more interior aggression from Hachimura. He was successful in bringing out the frontcourt to defend him, and he blitzed the opposition with five three-pointers. With LeBron James' future in question, the Lakers are expected to hang on to Hachimura and his diverse skill set.
Hachimura finished Sunday's 116-113 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 23 points (9-16 FG, 5-10 3Pt), five rebounds and one assist in 41 minutes.
The 27-year-old forward came through with his best offensive performance of the playoffs so far, but it wasn't quite enough for the Lakers. Hachimura hadn't scored more than 11 points in any of the first three games of the series, and Sunday's five made three-pointers tied his season high, a mark he set Christmas Day against the Warriors.
Hachimura is set to play in Friday's Game 3 against the Timberwolves but will wear a face mask, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Hachimura took a shot to the face in Game 2 on Tuesday and was forced to miss just under 10 minutes of game time. However, the 27-year-old isn't expected to miss any further time.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Decent outing in win
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Hachimura notched 11 points (4-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, one block and two steals over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 94-85 win over the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Hachimura cracked double digits in the scoring department for the first time in this series while playing better defensively in Tuesday's win. The veteran forward is coming off a fairly solid regular season, averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from deep.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Checks back into game
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Hachimura (face) returned to Tuesday's Game 2 against the Timberwolves with 6:54 remaining in the second quarter.
Hachimura took a shot to the face in the first quarter of Tuesday's contest but ultimately missed less than 10 minutes of game time. Hachimura appears set to play out the remainder of the game.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Heads to locker room
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Hachimura went to the locker room with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter of Tuesday's Game 2 against the Timberwolves after being inadvertently struck in the face by Naz Reid, Jace Frederick of St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Hachimura tallied two points (2-2 FT), two rebounds and one steal in seven minutes before exiting Tuesday's contest early. If Hachimura is unable to return to action, Dorian Finney-Smith will likely receive increased playing time.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Available to play Saturday
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Hachimura (knee) is not on the injury report for Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Saturday.
Hachimura is not on the injury report for the series opener, so he should handle his regular workload in a starting role for the Lakers. Hachimura averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game in 59 regular-season appearances.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Won't play Sunday
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Hachimura is out for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers due to left patellar tendinopathy, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Hachimura has missed 15 of the Lakers' last 22 games due to injuries, and the Lakers will aim to give the veteran forward as much rest as possible before the start of the playoffs April 19. Hachimura will end the regular season with averages of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while being a regular starter for the Lakers when healthy.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Available to play Wednesday
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Hachimura (knee) is available for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Hachimura missed Tuesday's loss to the Thunder, but the forward should recover his regular role in the starting unit for Wednesday's clash. This means Dorian Finney-Smith would likely return to the bench. Hachimura has played in seven of the Lakers' last nine games (including five starts) as he continues to work through a left knee injury, averaging 11.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 27.9 minutes per game in those contests.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Not playing Tuesday
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Hachimura (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Oklahoma City, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Hachimura has played in seven of the Lakers' last nine games (including five starts) as he continues to work through a left knee injury, and over that span he has averaged 11.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 27.9 minutes. He'll be held out of Tuesday's game but could be available for the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set Wednesday against the Mavericks. Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent (knee) and Jordan Goodwin are candidates to enter the Lakers' starting five due to Hachimura's absence.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Will start vs. OKC
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Hachimura will be in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
After a one-game absence to manage a knee injury, Hachimura will be back on the floor Sunday in Oklahoma City while also slotting into the starting lineup with Dorian Finney-Smith set to come off the bench. In 54 games as a starter for the Lakers this season, the Gonzaga product is averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 42.0 percent from beyond the arc.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Removed from injury report
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Hachimura (knee) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Thunder, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
After missing Friday's game against the Pelicans due to managing a knee injury, Hachimura will be back on the floor for the Lakers on Sunday in Oklahoma City. The veteran forward has averaged 11.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game since returning from a 12-game absence.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Ruled out for Friday
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Hachimura (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Hachimura scored 24 points Thursday against the Warriors but is sitting out Friday due to a minor knee injury. In his absence, the Lakers will likely ask for more out of Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan Goodwin.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Steps up with season-high 24 points
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Hachimura closed with 24 points (9-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds and three assists over 34 minutes during Thursday's 123-116 loss to the Warriors.
Hachimura logged his fourth consecutive start in the loss, and the forward is gradually working his way back to full speed after missing 12 games with a knee injury. He wasn't on a minute restriction, so it's possible that he'll stay in the starting lineup for both games of next week's back-to-back set.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Absent from injury report
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Hachimura (knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies.
After missing the second half of the Lakers' back-to-back in Thursday's loss to the Bulls, Hachimura is set to be available Saturday. The veteran forward has averaged 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 23.3 minutes over three games since returning from an extended absence with a left knee injury, so he's still building up his workload and should continue to see his playing time rise going forward.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Ruled out against Chicago
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Hachimura (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Hachimura continues to manage a left knee issue, which will keep him off the floor Thursday in Chicago. The Lakers will likely turn to Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan Goodwin to help shoulder the load against the Bulls.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Will start vs. Indiana
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Hachimura will be in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
Hachimura will be in the first unit for the Lakers for the first time since returning from his extended absence due to a knee injury. In 50 games as a starter for Los Angeles this season, the veteran forward is averaging 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and 41 percent from beyond the arc.
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Lakers' Rui Hachimura: Will be available Wednesday
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Hachimura (knee) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Hachimura was initially listed as probable, so it's not surprising to see him available for this contest, and he'll suit up for a third straight game following his 12-game absence due to left patellar tendinopathy. Hachimura has been limited to 18 and 24 minutes in his two games since his return to the hardwood.
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