Rui Hachimura Injury Update: Will Lakers Forward Return Next Week?

Rui Hachimura will not play for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, December 31, due to right calf soreness. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed the forward is also set to miss upcoming games later this week.

The update clarifies Hachimura’s short-term status as the Lakers manage his workload following recent discomfort. The team is targeting an early return next week if his recovery continues as planned.

Rui Hachimura Injury Update and Official Status

The Rui Hachimura injury update was shared by Lakers head coach JJ Redick and reported by ESPN on December 31. Redick said the goal is to have Hachimura back early next week as he recovers from right calf soreness.

Hachimura has already been ruled out for the Pistons matchup and will also miss the Lakers’ Friday and Sunday games against the Memphis Grizzlies. The decision reflects a cautious approach as the team looks to avoid aggravating the injury.

The 27-year-old forward last appeared in the Lakers’ December 30 win over the Sacramento Kings. He logged 12 points in that game and played a supporting role in a dominant 125–101 victory that snapped Los Angeles’ three-game losing streak.

Despite that appearance, the Lakers’ medical staff determined that additional rest was necessary. Calf soreness can linger if not managed carefully, especially during a congested part of the NBA schedule.

Hachimura has been a steady contributor this season, offering scoring balance and size on the wing. He has appeared in 27 games so far and has been part of several key rotation lineups under Redick.

The Lakers have not indicated that the injury is severe. There is no reported structural damage, and the team has avoided using long-term injury language in its updates.

What the Absence Means for the Lakers Rotation

With Hachimura sidelined, the Lakers are expected to lean more heavily on their forward depth. Role players will likely see expanded minutes as the team navigates multiple games without one of its regular contributors.

JJ Redick has emphasized flexibility in recent rotations. That approach is expected to continue as the Lakers balance competitiveness with player health during the middle of the season.

The timing of the injury also comes during a stretch of important Western Conference games. While the Pistons matchup is one the Lakers believe they can manage without Hachimura, the Memphis games carry more weight.

From a longer-term view, the team appears focused on having Hachimura fully healthy rather than rushing him back. An early next-week return would align with that strategy.

The Rui Hachimura injury update points to a short absence rather than a long-term setback. The Lakers remain optimistic, with the forward expected back once his calf soreness fully subsides.