Rui Hachimura Injury Update Emerges Before Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 4:54 PM ET

Rui Hachimura has been out of the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup for the last two games. The 6-foot-8 forward has been nursing an illness and has been forced to sit out.

Hachimura did not play on Thursday in L.A.’s 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The 28-year-old was also sidelined for Saturday’s 129-101 blowout win over the Golden State Warriors.

Hachimura has been a crucial piece for the Lakers this season. He’s played 47 games, starting 31 of them. The former Gonzaga Bulldogs standout is currently averaging 11.7 points on 50.6% shooting, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 triples in 29.5 minutes per contest.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Lakers are back in action on Sunday night. They return home to host the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers submitted their latest injury report hours before tip-off, and it features some good news on Hachimura. The Toyama, Japan native is not listed on the injury report, which means that he will mark his return on Sunday against the Kings.

This development is a significant boost for the Lakers as they get Hachimura’s production back. Hachimura’s return becomes even more crucial if LeBron James ends up sitting out against Sacramento.

It’s the tail end of a back-to-back set for the Lakers, and James has been listed as questionable to play. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is dealing with left foot arthritis and could be given the night off.

L.A. enters Sunday’s contest with a 35-24 record. They remain sixth in the Western Conference and are currently holding on to the final guaranteed playoff spot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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