Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura exited the game against the Denver Nuggets with what appeared to be a back injury during the fourth quarter on February 23, 2025. The incident occurred at the 9:59 mark, as Hachimura was guarding Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon.
Hachimura, visibly pained, left the floor and went directly to the bench before heading to the locker room. His departure raised concerns among Lakers fans and staff alike, as he had been performing exceptionally well throughout the game.
Before his injury, Hachimura had contributed significantly to the Lakers' efforts, scoring 21 points on 7 of 12 shooting over 33 minutes. His performance was pivotal in keeping the game competitive, as he showcased his ability to score effectively from all areas of the court, capitalizing on his scoring prowess. The Japanese forward emerged as one of the key players, particularly with his ability to create space and score, relieving some pressure off stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, Hachimura's injury occurred without substantial contact. The forward left the court clutching the left side of his back, leading observers to speculate about the nature of the injury, which looked to be more akin to spasms than anything severe.
After the incident, Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Hachimura, referring to him as a "warrior" for his commitment on both ends of the floor. Redick highlighted Hachimura's defensive capabilities, stating, "I thought Rui was outstanding. He was a warrior tonight." This praise came after Hachimura had effectively guarded Nikola Jokic, holding the MVP candidate to just 12 points on 2 of 7 shooting during their match-up.
The Lakers showed visible relief as Hachimura returned to the game shortly after his exit, signaling to fans and teammates alike his injury might not be serious. The speed of his recovery provided hope, especially considering his recent form, which has been one of the highlights of the Lakers' season.
Hachimura's presence on the team has been invaluable, and as he's entered this season with one of the hottest three-point shooting percentages of his career—41.4%—his contributions go beyond mere scoring to strategic offensive spacing. The Lakers' offense appears to flow more freely with Hachimura on the floor, forcing defenses to stretch and respect his perimeter shooting.
With fan confidence wavering about Hachimura's continued spot as a starter, those advocating for the inclusion of more defensive stalwarts like Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt may have to reconsider, especially with Hachimura’s dual-threat capabilities becoming increasingly evident. If he maintains his high level of performance and health, Hachimura’s position on the starting lineup is likely safe.
Overall, Hachimura’s swift return following the minor setback reinforces not only the depth of talent within the Lakers' roster but also their resilience as the season continues.