Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura suffered a left knee strain during the team’s 111-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Head coach JJ Redick addressed the injury after the game, stating that more details will be available within the next 24 hours.
Hachimura played 18 minutes before exiting, finishing with five points, three rebounds, and two assists. The 27-year-old has been a key contributor for Los Angeles this season, averaging 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 50 games.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 33 points and 17 rebounds as they secured their fourth straight win. Austin Reaves added 23 points, while Luka Doncic contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds to help Los Angeles improve to 36-21.
Minnesota struggled after losing Anthony Edwards to an ejection in the third quarter. The All-Star guard received two technical fouls and threw the ball into the stands, potentially triggering a one-game suspension.
Rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. stepped up in Edwards’ absence, scoring a career-high 25 points. Jaden McDaniels added 15 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 14 for the Timberwolves.
The Lakers built a 23-point lead in the first half but had to withstand a fourth-quarter surge from Minnesota. The Timberwolves cut the deficit to 93-90 before Doncic drained a deep three-pointer to halt their momentum.
James and Reaves sealed the win at the free-throw line as Los Angeles continued its strong run. The Lakers have gone 14-3 since Jan. 21 and are closing in on the top three seeds in the Western Conference.
Redick’s postgame update on Hachimura suggests the team will conduct further evaluations before determining the severity of his injury. The Lakers will likely provide an official status report ahead of their next game.
Los Angeles has relied on Hachimura’s versatility off the bench and as a spot starter. His absence could lead to increased minutes for players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dorian Finney-Smith.
The Lakers outrebounded Minnesota 52-41 and capitalized on second-chance opportunities despite shooting just 41.5% from the field. James controlled the glass with 17 rebounds, while Reaves went 11-of-12 from the free-throw line.
Minnesota struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 29.3% of its three-point attempts. The Timberwolves had previously pulled off a comeback win against Oklahoma City but could not replicate that success against Los Angeles.
With Edwards potentially facing a suspension, Minnesota may need to rely on Shannon Jr. and Alexander-Walker in their next matchup. The Timberwolves have now dropped five of their last seven games and sit at 32-28.
Los Angeles continues to build momentum in the Western Conference playoff race as they await further updates on Hachimura’s condition.
