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Lakers Rule Rui Hachimura Out for a Week as Injuries Force More Lineup Changes

JJ Redick targets an early-week return after right calf soreness surfaced following Sunday’s win over Sacramento.

Overview

  • Redick said Hachimura will miss about one week and is expected to sit out both games against Memphis on Friday and Sunday before a possible return early next week.
  • With Hachimura sidelined, Jake LaRavia started in Tuesday’s 128-106 loss to Detroit, which marked the Lakers’ 17th different starting lineup through 31 games.
  • Austin Reaves remains out with a grade 2 left calf strain on a multi-week timeline, and Gabe Vincent is still unavailable with a lumbar/back strain.
  • Hachimura has averaged 12.7 points with strong shooting this season, making his short absence a notable hit to Los Angeles’ spacing and wing depth.
  • LeBron James and Redick cited constant absences and rotation flux as barriers to rhythm and defensive identity, with December defensive metrics among the league’s worst.