Lakers' Rui Hachimura Injury Status Upgraded Ahead of Pacers Matchup

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has been upgraded to probable ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

Hachimura is likely to play against the Pacers.

Rui Hachimura (knee) probable for Wednesday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) March 25, 2025

Although Hachimura's presence on the court is not guaranteed, a probable tag means it is more likely than not.

The 27-year-old is expected to suit up for his third consecutive contest following a 12-game absence due to a left patellar tendinopathy. Hachimura was able to play on Monday in their loss to the Orlando Magic.

He played 24 minutes in the contest, tallying five points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field, three rebounds, and one steal. In the season, Hachimura is averaging 13.0 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 steals while shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from three in 31.7 minutes and 52 games.

It is clear that Hachimura needs more time to get his feet under him. He does not look like the player we saw prior to the injury. The Lakers will likely continue to manage Hachimura's playing time, as the team will likely continue to ease him back into his regular minutes with the playoffs looming.

The Lakers will likely not only have Hachimura in the lineup on Wednesday but also their superstar forward, LeBron James. James is also listed as probable due to his left groin strain.

James missed two weeks with the injury and also returned on Saturday. In two games back, the 40-year-old is averaging 20.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 34.5 minutes of action.

In the season, the four-time NBA champion averages 24.9 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three in 60 games and 34.9 minutes of action.

The Lakers have hit a rough patch, dropping seven of their last 10 games. During this stretch, they’ve averaged 110.3 points, 41.7 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 7.6 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.8 percent from the field. On the other end, their opponents have capitalized, putting up an average of 117.4 points per game.

The Lakers sit with a 15-19 road record. They will play in their second of a four-game road trip on Wednesday.

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