Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura is expected to miss approximately one week due to right calf soreness, head coach JJ Redick told reporters Tuesday.
Redick revealed that the Lakers expect Hachimura to return “early next week,” per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The 27-year-old was previously ruled out of Los Angeles’ clash with the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night due to the calf issue.
Following the game against Detroit, the Lakers have a pair of matchups with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and Sunday before traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 6. They’ll follow it up with a contest against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 7.
Assuming Hachimura doesn’t experience a setback in his recovery, he should be back in Los Angeles’ lineup by the time the team faces San Antonio.
He’s appeared in 27 of the Lakers’ first 30 regular-season games this year, previously missing time due to a groin issue.
Hachimura has continued to operate as an efficient scoring option as part of Los Angeles’ starting five, averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 52.1 percent from the field and 44.5 percent from three-point territory.
The Lakers own a 118.0 offensive rating with Hachimura on the floor this season compared to a 114.1 offensive rating without him (via NBA.com).
Los Angeles has been impacted by injuries as of late, with Austin Reaves currently sidelined due to a calf strain.
With Reaves and Hachimura now out, the Lakers will have to move forward without two key starters as they attempt to build upon their 20-10 record.
Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt should see increased roles within Redick’s rotation until Hachimura is able to return.
