Lakers Injury Update: Rui Hachimura Out Against Heat, D’Angelo Russell Probably, and Cam Reddish Likely
The Los Angeles Lakers made their injury report public on Wednesday before their home game against the Miami Heat.
LeBron James (non-COVID illness) is doubtful, D’Angelo Russell (tailbone contusion) is questionable, and Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain/bone bruise) and Cam Reddish (left groin soreness) are expected to play against the Heat.
Gabe Vincent (left knee surgery) and Rui Hachimura (left calf strain) were ruled out.
The Lakers have always struggled with injuries, and the 2023–24 campaign is no exception with multiple players missing time due to injuries. The fact that Hachimura had to leave the game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first quarter only served to highlight Davis’ observation that the team’s health would be its biggest weakness.
Although Hachimura’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious, it is regrettable that he will likely miss more games in the future in addition to the one against Miami. Hachimura has had a run of unfortunate events, including a nasal fracture.
Positively, Reddish looks like he’ll be back in the starting lineup after sitting out their most recent matchup with the Pelicans. Reddish has been dealing with a groin injury all season, but he should be fine after taking a few days off to rest.
Russell injured his tailbone during the Minnesota Timberwolves game, so it’s unclear if he will play in the big game against the Heat. In the third quarter, Russell was flagged for an offensive foul and was unable to play again. The following day, he was ruled out against New Orleans, and it appears he will miss his second straight game.
Darvin Ham has used all three of them consistently, so while it’s a good thing that Reddish is a factor, James and Davis would be under more pressure if Russell weren’t there.
James himself isn’t guaranteed to play against his old team because he hasn’t been well lately. This past weekend, James was viewed with suspicion; even though he dressed, he didn’t look quite like him.
Unfortunately, when the Lakers play the Heat, who are hoping to win and get back on track, nobody will feel bad for them.
James himself isn’t guaranteed to play against his old team because he hasn’t been well lately. This past weekend, James was viewed with suspicion; even though he dressed, he didn’t look quite like him.
Unfortunately, when the Lakers play the Heat, who are hoping to win and get back on track, nobody will feel bad for them.
