Lakers injury report: LeBron James’ hamstring and Rui Hachimura’s troubles get major update

LeBron James and Rui Hachimura both suffered concerning injuries in Thursday night's affair against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lakers injury report: LeBron James’ hamstring and Rui Hachimura’s troubles get major update

Lakers provide worrying updates about LeBron James and Rui Hachimura

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 111-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, extending their strong run of form. However, the win came with some troubling injury concerns for two key players, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Ahead of their back-to-back matchup in the Los Angeles derby on Friday night, the team provided updates on the injuries of both James and Hachimura.

While LeBron James sparked fear among fans by grabbing his hamstring in the fourth quarter, Hachimura exited the game early due to a non-contact knee injury while attempting a dunk. It has left the Lakers head coach JJ Redick and the medical staff closely monitoring their conditions. Redick addressed the media postgame with an update on Rui Hachimura’s injury.

We’ll get more information in the next 24 hours. I am not going to speculate on the severity of the injury. I am hopeful it’s nothing serious.

JJ Redick told reporters
YouTube video

While Hachimura’s injury remains a major concern due to it being his second injury scare in the last 5 days, more concern remain about James possibly picking up a nagging hamstring issue. While James managed to finish the game, he was seen clutching his hamstring after being fouled on a layup attempt late in the fourth quarter. Following the game, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin provided an update.

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LeBron James says his hamstring is not a concern and he will determine his status for Friday’s Clippers game after waking up tomorrow.

Dave McMenamin wrote on X

The injury to LeBron James raised concerns, as he has managed multiple injuries this season. This includes a long-term ankle issue that forced him to sit out of the All-Star Game. The Lakers’ medical staff will likely exercise caution given his age and the importance of keeping him fresh for the playoffs. Facing the Clippers in a back-to-back could mean James sits out to prevent any aggravation of the injury.

LeBron James creates history while leading Lakers over Timberwolves

Despite the injury concerns, LeBron James delivered another vintage performance, dropping 33 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal in the win over Minnesota. The Lakers jumped out to a dominant 33-17 lead in the first quarter. They maintained control for most of the game despite a late push by the Timberwolves in a controversially officiated game.

James’ leadership was crucial, as Luka Doncic continued his shooting struggles, finishing with 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting although he contributed 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves provided a strong boost with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. What made the night even more special was that James set yet another historic milestone in the process.

LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to record five consecutive games with 25+ points at age 40 or older. Those are unprecedented numbers from someone his age and with his mileage.

The Lakers’ win also saw them improve to a 36-21 record, leapfrogging the Houston Rockets for the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings. James continued his elite level of play on both ends of the floor. He further proved JJ Redick’s recent comments hailing the 40-year-old star as a potential candidate for the NBA’s All-Defensive team.