The Lakers’ injury list has gotten longer and longer recently, with Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent and even rookie Adou Thiero ruled out for an extended period of time.
However, LA will likely have their starting-caliber
forward, Rui Hachimura, back sooner rather than later.
Before the Lakers played their last game of 2025 against the Pistons, head coach JJ Redick stated that Hachimura could be back by early next week.
Hachimura missed LA’s game against Detroit due to right calf soreness, and with Redick confirming he’ll miss the weekend games, the soonest he could return would be on Jan. 6, when the Lakers play the Pelicans.
Calf injuries can turn into more serious ailments and this isn’t the first time Hachumra has missed games due to this type of injury.
Hachumra missed one game earlier this year against the Bucks with left calf soreness. In that instance, he returned for the next game and didn’t miss any more time.
Now his right calf is giving him some problems, and while he’ll miss more than one game, it doesn’t appear as serious as Reaves’ Grade 2 calf strain, which will keep the star guard out for a month.
Overall, Hachimura has remained healthy this season. He missed a pair of games this year due to right groin soreness and if he comes back next week, that’s a relatively short time away from the team.
Hachimura’s impact on the Lakers is clear. He has started all 27 games he’s played this year, and with him shooting 44% from 3-point range, he’s the team’s best perimeter threat.
Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points per game, making him LA’s fourth-highest scorer. So, while his role and starting position might be a debate Lakers fans are having, it’s clear he’s an important player and having him available improves the team’s odds of winning.
If Redick is right and Hachimura has no more setbacks, then he can return for the team’s next two road games and get the Lakers a bit closer to being fully healthy.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
