Just as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game skid, their roster has taken another hit ahead of a crucial matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Forward Rui Hachimura played an interesting role in the Sacramento Kings game, chipping in 12 points. But we won’t see him suit up on Tuesday.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, “JJ Redick said the target is to have Rui Hachimura back early next week from his right calf soreness. He will also miss Friday and Sunday vs. MEM.”

The 27-year-old player will miss his first game since returning from a groin injury on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets.

At present, Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 52.1% shooting from the field. He excels as an efficient shooter, enabling corner threes, drives, and occasional weak-side help, and is a key part of Redick’s starting lineup.

Hachimura is in the final year of his three-year $51 million contract with the Lakers. The Gonzaga product has been in quite a few trade rumors in recent months, considering his two-way ability on the hardwood. He’s the type of quality performer the team might consider dangling in potential deals should Redick need an upgrade at the forward spot next to LeBron James.

Jake LaRavia could see a bigger role over the next three games with Hachimura missing out. The attention also shifts to the rest of the names on the injury list, which appears to be growing larger before the showdown at the Crypto.com Arena.

JJ Redick’s sidelined soldiers

The Lakers’ medical room will witness the presence of two other key players. Gabe Vincent stays sidelined today because of a lingering lumbar back strain, which also forced him to miss the Monday clash versus the Kings.

Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is dealing with a serious setback, as medical evaluations revealed a Grade 2 strain in his left calf muscle. He is expected to miss at least four weeks.

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Expect Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht, and Nick Smith Jr. to continue seeing increased minutes in the short term.

These injuries force the Lakers into a recovery phase, with Redick‘s plan to distribute smart minutes among his top 3 stars (James, Luka Doncic, Reaves) on hold for now.

On the other hand, the Pistons only have one player on their injury report. Caris LeVert is listed as doubtful. If he remains sidelined, Jaden Ivey, Javonte Green, and Marcus Sasser could all be in line for larger roles.