Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) brings the ball down court during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Lakers' Rui Hachimura Ruled Out Against Suns

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Ward | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 5:13 PM ET

After the NBA All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers headed into the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign with a clean slate in terms of injuries, which is something that hadn’t been seen all season long.

Unfortunately, that clean injury report didn’t last very long, with veteran forward Rui Hachimura now on the mend, as he has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns on the road at the Mortage Matchup Center.

Rui Hachimura Ruled Out With Illness

Rui Hachimura (illness) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game at Phoenix.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 26, 2026

Hachimura has played in all but 10 games this season, as he’s been one of the more dependable role players on the squad in terms of availability. He’s also seen his role change with the team going from a starter to head coach JJ Redick’s first option off the bench.

The 28-year-old forward has done well in his bench role, putting up close to the same numbers as a reserve compared to being a starter, while playing around six minutes less per game at 24.2.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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