Rui Hachimura Sidelined with Calf Injury, Lakers Role Under Scrutiny

Rui Hachimura is out for Saturday's game against the Bucks due to a calf injury. In his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers (2023-24), he started 39 of 68 games, averaging 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, with an impressive 42.2% three-point shooting. Hachimura's postseason performance was critical, including a 29-point game and three other 20-plus point efforts, shooting 48.7% from three, which led to his three-year, $51 million re-signing. Despite this, he's expected to come off the bench this season, facing competition for minutes. His previous stints included a trade from Washington, where he had two 30-point games, and a Year 3 marked by injuries and efficiency gains.