Rui Hachimura, currently representing Team Japan at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, has been sidelined for the remainder of the Games due to an injury. The Los Angeles Lakers forward had a stellar performance in his recent game, scoring 24 points and grabbing three rebounds, with impressive shooting stats of 10/16 from the field and 3/5 from beyond the arc in 28 minutes. Despite his efforts, Japan fell to France with a score of 94-94.
Injury Update
On Thursday evening, it was announced that Hachimura would no longer participate in the Olympics. According to One Sports, “Rui Hachimura will no longer be participating in #Paris2024 for Akatsuki Five due to an injury to his left calf. The Japan Basketball Federation reported that Hachimura began experiencing discomfort in his calf following the game against France.”
Stellar Performance Cut Short
Hachimura had been one of the standout players in the Olympics through Japan’s first two games. According to StatMuse, he was among the top scorers:
– Giannis Antetokounmpo: 30.5 PPG
– RJ Barrett: 23.5 PPG
– Santi Aldama: 23.0 PPG
– Rui Hachimura: 22.0 PPG
– Yuki Kawamura: 20.0 PPG
– Franz Wagner: 19.5 PPG
Prioritizing Health for the NBA Season
Given his importance to the Lakers, the decision to withdraw is seen as a precautionary measure ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Last season, Hachimura averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 53.7% from the field and 42.2% from three-point range over 68 games.
Official Statements
BasketNews also reported, “The #paris2024 Olympics are over for Rui Hachimura as the Los Angeles Lakers star has left the Japan national team due to injury.”
Lakers’ Recent Performance
The Lakers finished last season as the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record but were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Get Well Soon, Rui
Fans and teammates are wishing Rui Hachimura a speedy recovery as he focuses on returning to full strength for the upcoming NBA season.
