Just when things were slowly falling in place for the LA Lakers in the NBA, they were dealt a surprising blow by the Dallas Mavericks in a thriller of a game. Not only that, Rui Hachimura their stand-out talent is also expected to miss a few games.
The Los Angeles Lakers revealed that forward Rui Hachimura had surgery on November 24 to fix a nasal fracture that happened during the team’s defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on November 22. This comes as a fatal blow to the injury-hampered Lakers’ side.
Lakers release injury update on Rui Hachimura after he undergoes procedure: https://t.co/FvDlAMZAYE
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) November 24, 2023
Hachimura had previously missed four games due to concussion procedures this season, so it appears that this is his second blow to the face. The forward appeared to be hitting his stride offensively after he recovered from that injury, averaging 13.0 points and 4.1 rebounds in nine games while shooting 52.4% from the field and 46.2% from 3-point range according to StatMuse.
When will Rui Hachimura return for the LA Lakers?
Rui Hachimura is out because of surgery he had for a nose issue, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. His return is currently uncertain because he will undergo another evaluation in a week. On the 22nd of November, in the Lakers’ 104-101 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the power forward sustained a nose fracture.
Another setback for the Lakers: Rui Hachimura underwent a procedure to repair a nasal fracture today, the team announced. The injury occurred in the Mavericks game on Wednesday. He will be reevaluated by team doctors in approximately one week.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 24, 2023
It remains to be seen how the LA Lakers cope with their next games in the NBA season. With many of their talented players injured it is going to be tough for their fans and Coach Darvin Ham to asses this situation and get a quick resolution for it.
Numerous injuries have left the Lakers shorthanded this season
The Lakers have been going through a lot this season, especially with it comes to injuries. Their fans are left frustrated with the injury list that is put forth in from of them. Many of their talented players as well as veterans are ailing from long-term and short-term injuries which is hampeering the performances of the team in general.
Another long list of injuries for the Lakers… pic.twitter.com/qPwLTH2nD1
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 3, 2023
LeBron James (calf) and Anthony Davis (hip spasms) are both listed as questionable, as was Cam Reddish, who sustained a groin injury earlier this week. Both Gabe Vincent (knee) and Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) are not expected to play anytime soon, according to various reports. The Lakers are stuck as they search for alternatives.
It remains to be seen how the LA Lakers deal with this horrible situation that has beckoned upon them and what they will do next to resolve it. Without a full-fledged team, the Lakers will not be able to compete for the trophies that they and their fans hope for.