Lakers’ Rui Hachimura Injured as Goodwin Shines in Timberwolves Win

LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 111-102 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, with Jordan Goodwin emerging as a key contributor off the bench.

Goodwin logged seven points, two steals, one rebound, and one assist in just 13 minutes of play. His offensive prowess included three field goals, distinguishing him as a versatile scorer during the game. Since signing a two-way contract on Feb. 7, the 26-year-old has established himself as a reliable reserve.

“I just try to bring energy and make the most of my minutes when I get the opportunity,” Goodwin said after the game. “There’s a lot of talent on this team, so I’m just trying to fit in and help us win.”

Meanwhile, the Lakers endured a setback as forward Rui Hachimura was ruled out for the night due to a left knee strain. Hachimura suffered the injury during a fastbreak early in the third quarter and was immediately escorted to the locker room. Before his exit, he recorded five points on 2-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds and two assists.

The Lakers are optimistic Hachimura’s injury isn’t serious; however, his status for Friday’s matchup against the L.A. Clippers remains uncertain. Given the short turnaround, it’s likely he will sit out the game.

“We hope it’s not a significant injury,” said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. “Rui has been playing incredibly well, and we’ll monitor the situation closely.”

If Hachimura is sidelined, Dorian Finney-Smith is expected to step into the starting lineup, while Goodwin, Dalton Knecht, and Cam Reddish might also see increased roles. Hachimura’s recent performances have been a highlight for the team; notably, he played impressively against the Denver Nuggets, guarding star center Nikola Jokic effectively.

“Rui was outstanding last game,” said Lakers guard J.J. Redick. “He was a warrior. We’re all hoping he can bounce back because he’s such an important part of our rotation.”

The Lakers lead the NBA in defensive efficiency since January, a trend that Hachimura has contributed to significantly, particularly in matches against top-tier centers.

As the Lakers move forward, they face the challenge of maintaining their performance amidst potential losses in their lineup. The upcoming injury report will shed light on Hachimura’s condition for Friday’s game.