Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart injury report for Pacers game

On Wednesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will take the field to conclude their East Coast trip with a game against the Indiana Pacers. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura’s injury reports for this contest list Hachimura as questionable and Smart as questionable. Here’s everything we know about Smart and Hachimura’s injuries and their game status on Wednesday against the Pacers.

Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura playing against Pacers

January 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzyszynski-Imagen Images
Bill Streicher-Images

For the game against the Pacers, Marcus Smart is listed as questionable due to a right ankle injury. Hachimura has been named questionable with right calf soreness. Both Smart and Hachimura missed the Lakers’ last game, a loss against the Detroit Pistons that snapped the team’s nine-game winning streak. The Lakers also include Edou Thirou on the injury report, who is questionable due to knee soreness.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have several players listed on the injury report, with Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith all listed as probable with various ailments. Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac will be out of the lineup with a rib fracture.

In theory, a game against the league’s worst Pacers should give Los Angeles a good chance at a comeback, although if all of Indiana’s prospects end up playing, it’s the same core that made it to the NBA Finals last year, except, of course, the injured Tyrese Haliburton.

The Pacers recently suffered an upset on the road against the Orlando Magic, so this is definitely not a game the Lakers will want to take lightly.

Los Angeles currently sits comfortably in third place in the Western Conference and will look to end their current road trip on a high note before returning to the Crypto.com Arena this weekend.


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Smart, Hachimura downgraded due to injury for Pistons game

The Los Angeles Lakers come into their matchup with the Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons with a lot of positives. They are currently on an eight-game winning streak and have enjoyed some great basketball from their offensive unit led by Luka Doncic.

However, his performance continued despite minor injury issues and the same appears to be true for the Detroit game. According to Benjamin Royer of the OC Register, both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura are now scheduled to miss this contest, with Smart dealing with right ankle soreness and Hachimura dealing with right calf soreness. This comes on the heels of Luka Doncic’s one-game suspension that came as a result of his 16th technical foul in their recent win over the Orlando Magic.

However, it’s not only negative news for the Lakers, Maxi Kleber has been upgraded to available despite his back strain. Of course, the Pistons have their own injury concerns despite the current three-game winning streak.

Cade Cunningham suffered a ‘constricted lung’ during the Pistons’ win over the Washington Wizards and will be reevaluated in about two weeks. Marcus Sasser is out with a hip injury, while Isaiah Stewart is also recovering from a calf strain and will be out for the time being.

Nonetheless, even in Cunningham’s absence, Detroit looked comfortable in their win against the Golden State Warriors. Jalen Duren and Dennis Jenkins combined for 45 points against Golden State and will once again be expected to handle the offensive responsibilities.

The Lakers are in the middle of a six-game road trip and have won four games in a row. They have undoubtedly found their offensive rhythm with Deandre Ayton, showing a greater willingness to anchor the paint and run the floor for LA. Luka Doncic is in absolute form and is getting points with ease even on his off days.

He returned with 33 points in a win against the Orlando Magic despite going 12-30 from the field and 3-13 from the three-point zone. The Lakers’ attack will undoubtedly be tested in his absence, although they will be confident about their firepower even in the absence of the Slovenian international.


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Injury updates to Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura for Pistons clash

The Los Angeles Lakers have a big test coming up against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Monday, and they’ll have Luka Doncic in the lineup after his 16th technical was voided by the NBA. But the Lakers may have shortcomings elsewhere as injury reports surfaced on Sunday from key players like Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura.

Both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura were listed as questionable on the Lakers’ injury report ahead of their upcoming game against the Pistons. Smart is dealing with right ankle soreness while Hachimura has right calf soreness. In addition to Hachimura and Smart, veteran big man Maxi Kleber is also questionable against the Pistons.

Smart missed the Lakers’ win against the Chicago Bulls on March 12 due to a hip problem, and he has been dealing with minor ailments throughout the season. But Smart has been one of the team’s most important players this season, along with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Smart has appeared in 60 games, including 53 starts, averaging a little over 28 minutes per game. He averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 39.9 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from the 3-point line and 81.6 percent from the free-throw line. Smart’s impact goes far beyond his shooting percentage, and he has been one of the league leaders in deflections.

Coincidentally, Hachimura was taken out of the starting lineup by Smart. He has been in a reserve role since returning from a calf injury in December.

He has appeared in 59 games, including 35 starts, at a pace of just over 28 minutes per game. He averaged 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds with splits of 50.5 percent shooting from the field, 43.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 75.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Lakers have won nine consecutive games against the top team in the Eastern Conference. They are currently the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings, and a full three games ahead of the No. 4 Houston Rockets.


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Fan favorite Yuki Kawamura shares sweet moment with Rui Hachimura

The Chicago Bulls may have lost 142-130 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, but it was still a memorable evening for Yuki Kawamura.

Kawamura played 10 minutes off the bench, adding three points, one rebound and two assists. But what happened after the game was special for Japan’s undersized guard.

He reunited with his national team teammate Rui Hachimura and they shared a memorable moment – ​​literally.

Casey Johnson of Chicago Sports Network on

Kawamura, 24, immediately became a fan favorite in Chicago when he joined the team in Summer League last year. However, he was released during training camp after suffering a foot injury.

Many were saddened by his departure, some even imploring the Bulls to reverse the decision. In January, the team brought back Kawamura on a two-way deal.

He’s not just a novelty, as Kawamura’s vision and athleticism are up there with some of the NBA’s top level generals. He is a prototypical point guard, as he likes to set up his teammates.

Kawamura and Hachimura last represented Japan together at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They did not win in three matches. Hachimura led the team with 22.0 points, while Kawamura was not far behind with 20.3 points. Kawamura also averaged 7.7 assists.

Hachimura had 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting in their win over the Bulls.


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Rui Hachimura demands control after LA beats Warriors, Kings

LOS ANGELES – During one of Marcus Smart’s first media sessions as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers at the beginning of the season, he revealed a saying he has for every game. That is, ‘the toughest team sets the rules.’ This essentially means that the more physical team dictates which way the game will go. The Lakers haven’t always done a good job of following that quote, but Rui Hachimura believes they have gotten better in recent games.

The Lakers dominated from start to finish in consecutive wins against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, respectively. A big part of those wins depended on the Lakers coming out on top early and asserting their will in terms of physicality. This includes playing tough defense, diving after loose balls, hitting hard on the glass and other little things that don’t always show up with statistics.

“I think when we did that in the game today [against the Kings]game [against the Warriors]I think we have created the atmosphere. That’s why we were able to control the whole game,” Hachimura said after the win against the Kings. “So I think things like that, we have to keep doing it. I think sometimes we do it and then we stop doing it. So we just have to keep doing it. We’ve got to make those plays and those little things. We have to keep building.”

Hachimura returned to the Lakers’ lineup against the Kings after a brief two-game absence due to illness. His game was somewhat solid, finishing with eight points while shooting 2-4 from the 3-point line in a little over 22 minutes.

He has been coming off the bench since returning from a calf injury in mid-January. Hachimura has appeared in 48 games, including 31 starts, averaging a little over 29 minutes per game. He averaged 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds with splits of 50.1 percent shooting from the field, 44.1 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 74.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

But the Lakers’ overall toughness and physicality starts with smarts. He often sets the tone on the defensive end of the court, and is a big reason why head coach JJ Redick has opted to stick with Smart in the starting lineup following Hachimura’s return.

After the win against the Kings, Redick made sure to single out Smart for his impact on the game.

“I told the team afterward, I thought Smart’s defense … completely blew us away at different points in the game,” Redick said. “He finished with five steals, but he’s diving down the floor for loose balls. He’s starting the transition game for us. He switches to the five, sets him up perfectly. … He was another igniter for us.”


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Rui Hachimura reaches injury report for Suns game

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on a two-game slump after a close loss to the Orlando Magic last time out and will visit the Phoenix Suns next Thursday. Los Angeles has done well in terms of availability in recent weeks and all three of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to be fit.

However, Rui Hachimura is on the official injury report along with Jackson Hayes, with Hachimura listed as questionable and Hayes as probable. Hachimura is dealing with an illness, while Hayes is dealing with a right ankle sprain.

Along with these two, Bronny James and Edou Thiero have also been included, whose exit has been confirmed.

Rui Hachimura injury status vs Suns

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (left) practices before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Given that Rui Hachimura is questionable on the injury report, his availability will likely be a game-time decision. He came off the bench to score 10 points and two steals against the Magic and could prove useful off the bench once again.

Meanwhile, the Suns are still missing Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, Cole Anthony and Haywood Highsmith. The Lakers (34-23) have dropped to sixth place in the tightly packed Western Conference after suffering consecutive losses, including a loss to the Boston Celtics.

Meanwhile, the Suns (33-26) have dropped to seventh in the standings after losing seven of their last ten games. Hachimura is averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and will add another threat against a team that has been largely depleted.

Phoenix currently leads the season series 2–1, making this fourth and final meeting important for potential postseason tiebreaker scenarios.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura: doubtful (illness)

Jackson Hayes: Probable (right ankle; sprain)

Bronny James: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Edou Thirou: Out (G League – On Assignment)

sans injury report

Cole Anthony: Out (not with team)

Devin Booker: Out (right hip; strain)

Dillon Brooks: Out (left arm; fracture)

Jordan Goodwin: Out (left calf; strain)

Haywood Highsmith: Out (right knee; injury management)


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What Rui Hachimura said about ‘bulls**t’ trade deadline rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers recently endured a turbulent trade deadline, during which forward Rui Hachimura was frequently mentioned in league-wide discussions. Reports from ClutchPoints and other insiders indicate that the Lakers are engaged in direct talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding a potential trade for De’Andre Hunter. Hachimura was reportedly a key part in these negotiations, as his expiring contract and high-level on-court production made him a valuable asset to teams seeking wing depth.

Despite being made available in these discussions, the Lakers’ front office maintained a firm stance: they would only move the veteran if it meant significantly upgrading the roster, refusing to part with him merely for salary relief. This strategic discipline ensured that Hachimura remained in Los Angeles as a key contributor to the team’s championship aspirations.

Addressing the continued speculation surrounding the franchise, Hachimura provided a candid assessment of the situation. “With the Lakers, we get a lot of rumors,” he told ESPN. “But a lot of times, those rumors are bullshit. Now we have a time where it can be said, ‘Okay, this is our group now.’ Because we know this now. So we are ready to move forward.”

His comments reflect a sense of relief and focus within the locker room now that the deadline has passed, allowing the team to move forward with its established core.

Hachimura’s importance to the Lakers has become clear since his return from a calf injury. He has found a distinctive rhythm recently, serving as the driving force in several key wins, including a remarkable 23-point performance against the Chicago Bulls, where he shot an impressive 9-11 from the field.

This season, he has emerged as one of the league’s premier catch-and-shoot threats, averaging a 43.9% three-point shooting percentage. By retaining Hachimura, the Lakers have kept a versatile wing who not only understands the team’s system but also actively improves their spacing and offensive efficiency.

As the team turns its attention to the playoffs, Hachimura’s presence provides the stability needed to ignore distractions and achieve another championship win.


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