If there’s one thing the Lakers don’t need more of it’s injuries. They are already without Gabe Vincent, who will be out for at least a week due to lower back tightness.
There was optimism that Deandre
Ayton who missed the team’s previous game with left elbow soreness and Austin Reaves who has been out a week with a left calf strain, could return for the team’s contest against the Clippers.
However, both have been officially ruled out of the game.
Now, Rui Hachimura’s availability is also in doubt. The starting forward is now listed as questionable to play against the other Los Angeles team.
It’s been impressive that the Lakers have found ways to win even when they are shorthanded. But missing three starters and a rotation player in Vincent would definitely make things harder for the Lakers on Saturday.
If Hachimura is hurt, there is nothing that can be done, but it’d certainly be a bummer. Hachimura is having a strong season, averaging 13.3 points and shooting a career-best 45.6% from 3-point range. He has started in all 25 games he’s played this season, so he is clearly an important part of head coach JJ Redick’s gameplan.
Hachimura has only missed one game this year. In that instance, he missed due to left calf soreness. The Lakers still won that game against the Bucks despite Rui being unavailable.
If there were a team the Lakers could afford to be a few players short against, it’d be the Clippers. They are having a horrendous year and are 6-21 on the season.
So, even with so many players out and Hachimura’s availability in question, the Lakers should still win this game on the road.
Still, the Clippers should have a bit more fight against the Lakers, considering they are rivals, so having more players out, if Hachimura misses, is still not ideal.
Hopefully, Hachimura plays. If he misses, we’ll see how long he will be out for and what updates the Lakers provide on Hachimura’s injury.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
