Rui Hachimura (knee) ruled out Friday
by Ari Koslow | Lakers Correspondent | Fri, Feb 28th 4:20pm EST
Rui Hachimura has been ruled out for Friday’s game against the Clippers. (Dave McMenamin on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact:
Hachimura will sit after leaving Thursday’s game early. Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith should take on bigger roles, especially if one of LeBron James or Austin Reaves (both listed as questionable) also sit.
Category: Injury Updates | More Rui Hachimura: News, Rankings, Stats
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Dorian Finney-Smith vows to hold the line as Lakers receive injury news for Rui Hachimura
The Los Angeles Lakers are slated to embark on a challenging situation without one of their most important players.
During the 106-102 victory over the LA Clippers on February 28 at Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers were dealing with the key absence of Rui Hachimura.
Hachimura sat down for the matchup against the Clippers due to a left calf strain sustained the previous night. And according to JJ Redick on pregame, the forward underwent an MRI.
Following the marquee showdown with the Clippers, Redick further shed some light with regards to Hachimura’s condition, noting that the Japanese star sustained a left patella tendinopathy which will require a one-week recovery.
With the absence of Hachimura, the Lakeshow had to heavily lean towards Dorian Finney-Smith.
JJ Redick and the Lakers made the right call in identifying the veteran forward for an immediate step-up.
Filling Hachimura’s shoes, Finney-Smith embraced the starting role to help the Lakers take their 17th win over the past 21 games. He tallied seven points, five boards, and three assists in 31 minutes, actively anchoring the team’s perimeter defense.
Austin Reaves also left the game early, as a precaution, which the Lakers hope is not serious.
In his postgame interview, Finney-Smith let it be known that he is wholeheartedly accepting the burden of responsibility to carry the increased load from the absence of Hachimura.
“I mean, I know it’s next man up,” he said. “I was holding it down to Rui.
“I’m going to hold it down until Rui gets back. Austin was a little unexpected but I felt like the business came in and gave us a good energy.”
Dorian Finney-Smith talks about replacing Rui Hachimura vs Clippers!
pic.twitter.com/qMNq9sULHg
Assuming that Hachimura will indeed be inactive throughout this upcoming week, the Lakers need to rely on Finney-Smith.
In this forthcoming week, LA will continue their homestand by facing the Clippers again (Sunday) which will be followed by the New Orleans Pelicans (Tuesday), and the New York Knicks (Thursday).
As three of these teams boast respective top wing and perimeter players, Finney-Smith will be a vital presence especially at the defensive end.
As the road to recovery officially begins now for Hachimura, the Lakers can at least be thankful that Finney-Smith is there to help.
