The Los Angeles Lakers are currently facing a series of injuries to key players as they approach the latter part of the season, prompting fans and media to seek updates.
Rui Hachimura, who injured his knee during the third quarter of the Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the end of February, has missed five consecutive games. Head coach JJ Redick provided an update on Hachimura’s status, telling ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that Hachimura is currently in his return-to-play protocol, but the Lakers will not have another update for about a week. McMenamin shared Redick’s words on X (formerly Twitter): “JJ Redick says Rui Hachimura is in his return to play protocol, but LAL won’t have another update on the forward for about another week.”
Jaxson Hayes, dealing with a right knee contusion, missed the game against the Celtics. Redick expressed that the injury doesn’t appear to be serious. According to McMenamin, Redick mentioned, “The Lakers have been monitoring swelling in Hayes’ knee but hopes the center will be back soon. Redick did not name the starter in Hayes’ place.”
It seems Hayes might return before Hachimura, and the team is hopeful they will both be at full strength soon.
The Lakers are also dealing with a major injury to LeBron James, who sustained a groin strain during their game against the Celtics and was forced to leave in the fourth quarter. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James is expected to miss 1 to 2 weeks. Charania wrote on X, “Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss at least 1-to-2 weeks with a groin strain, sources tell ESPN. James will wait for the groin injury to calm down over the next 24 hours and receive another evaluation.”
With multiple players injured, Luka Doncic will likely need to shoulder a large part of the responsibility moving forward.
