What happened to Rui Hachimura? Latest injury update for Lakers starter after momentary exit vs Nuggets (Feb. 22)
LA Lakers forward Rui Hachimura exited Saturday's contest against the Denver Nuggets with a back tweak. The injury happened at the 9:59 minute mark of the fourth quarter. Hachimura was guarding Aaron Gordon in the post. The Japanese forward didn't absorb any contact in the injured area but exited the game right after that possession, seemingly dealing with a spasm.
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Hachimura was firing on all cylinders, tallying a 21-point game on 7 of 12 shots in 33 minutes. He was key in helping the Lakers keep their lead afloat.
Lakers relieved as Rui Hachimura returns following minor setback
Lakers staff and fans were relieved after Rui Hachimura quickly returned to Saturday's contest following his back injury. Hachimura's comeback seemingly suggested that his injury isn't long-term. It's a significant update for the Lakers, considering his recent form. As a fourth option, having Hachimura in the lineup has been a luxury for LA.
His ability to score on all three levels makes things easier for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The defense has to respect and spread to cover Hachimura on the perimeter amid one of the hottest shooting seasons of his career. He is making 41.4% of his 3s from deep on 4.0 season.
JJ Redick calls Hachimura a "Warrior" after injury return
Lakers coach JJ Redick was highly impressed with Rui Hachimura. Redick called the 6-foot-7 wing a "warrior" for his efforts.
"I thought Rui was outstanding. He was a warrior tonight," Redick told reporters.
Hachimura played excellent team defense, guarding Nikola Jokic as his primary defender. With him marking the interior defense, Jokic only managed 12 points on 2 of 7 shots.
Hachimura maintained his offensive game while doing that, making it an even more special effort from the 27-year-old. The Lakers continue to reap the benefits of keeping him in the starting lineup amid the fan base's demands to replace him with defensive stalwarts like Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt.
However, if Hachimura continues to perform at this rate, it's unlikely for him to lose his spot, especially with his offensive production.