The Los Angeles Lakers on Friday ruled forward Rui Hachimura out of Saturday night’s matchup with the L.A. Clippers because of right groin soreness, according to the team’s updated injury report.
Hachimura’s absence leaves the Lakers without three starters. Center Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness) and guard Austin Reaves (left calf strain) had already been sidelined, and reserve guard Gabe Vincent (low back soreness) will also sit.
Hachimura’s impact so far
The 27-year-old has played in 25 of the club’s first 26 games, averaging 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 45.6 percent from three-point range. He has become a key secondary scorer alongside LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Reaves.
Expected lineup adjustments
Marcus Smart, who scored 17 points and hit five threes in Wednesday’s 145-137 win over the Utah Jazz, is expected to remain in the starting backcourt. Forward Jake LaRavia is the leading candidate to replace Hachimura after contributing 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting against Utah.
Head coach JJ Redick may also expand roles for Jarred Vanderbilt, rookie Adou Thiero or Dalton Knecht. Vanderbilt has collected 18 rebounds over the past two games and could draw the primary defensive assignment on Kawhi Leonard.
Clippers’ struggles continue
The Clippers enter the contest at 6-21 but expect to have James Harden back after a one-game absence caused by a calf issue. The Lakers, 145-point outburst fresh in mind, will attempt to maintain that offensive rhythm while shorthanded.
Contract year highlights
This is a contract year for Hachimura, who is seeking a long-term deal after extension talks did not materialize last summer. One of his early-season highlights was a corner-three buzzer-beater against the Toronto Raptors, a moment he later called a lifelong dream.
The Lakers and Clippers tip off Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: Lakers Nation
