What happened to Rui Hachimura? Latest injury update for Lakers forward after sudden exit vs Timberwolves (Feb. 27)

LA Lakers forward Rui Hachimura exited abruptly for the second time in three games on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Similar to Saturday's contest against the Denver Nuggets, Hachimura left the floor clutching at his lower back area on the left side.

It was a non-contact ailment both times. Hachimura was guarding Aaron Gordon when he felt the injury against the Nuggets. On Thursday, he left the game after a dunk that wasn't even contested.

However, the Lakers' broadcast reported that it wasn't a back issue that limited Hachimura against the Timberwolves. He exited the game, citing a left knee strain.

JJ Redick on Friday said the Lakers are optimistic about Hachimura's injury not being a long-term issue. He got imaging done on his left knee and is out without a timetable.

Hachimura had five points, three rebounds, and two assists on 2 of 6 shots against Minnesota. He was more focused on defense, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves having the hot hand.

Hachimura was a +/- +21. The Lakers led 62-47 with 10:33 minutes left when he left.

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Lakers coach JJ Redick reacts to Rui Hachimura's injury

JJ Redick said he hoped Rui Hachimura hadn't suffered a severe injury. Redick confirmed that it was a left knee strain and said the Lakers would have further news in 24 hours.

"We’ll get more information in the next 24 hours … I am not going to speculate on the severity of the injury. I am hopeful it’s nothing serious," Redick said.

Knee strains can be tricky and unpredictable. According to Dr. Evan Jeffries, an NBA and NFL injury insider, Hachimura has avoided an ACL/MCL injury. A strain means Hachimura has injured his quad tendon or patella tendon and not a ligament, which would have been the case if it was the latter.

The Lakers will hope it's not a long-term issue, considering the uptick in Rui Hachimura's play lately on both ends. It has helped him retain his spot as a starter ahead of Dorian Finney-Smith.

Over the past 10 games, Hachimura has made significant box score contributions, averaging 17.5 points and 5.7 rebounds, shooting 53.2%, including 39.0% from 3.