Why is Rui Hachimura not playing in Olympics basketball game vs Brazil? Latest on Lakers forward's injury (August 2)

Japan men's national basketball team was dealt a colossal blow ahead of its 2024 Paris Olympics Group B game against Brazil on Friday. Star forward Rui Hachimura was ruled out of the game with a left calf injury just a few hours before tip-off.

According to a statement issued by the Japan Basketball Federation, the LA Lakers' forward sustained the injury during Japan's agonizing 90-94 overtime loss against France on Tuesday.

Hachimura has left the Japan national team and will not be seen at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille during the team's game against Brazil.

"Due to the need for early treatment of my injury, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be able to accompany the team in accordance with NBA/FIBA rules," Hachimura said.

"I would like to sincerely thank the fans who supported us on site, basketball fans around the world, and fans in Japan.

"Together with my teammates, I believe we played some very good games for Japanese basketball. I am proud to have played as a member of Japan. The Japan national team will continue to fight for victory in the match against Brazil, so please continue to support Japan," the 26-year-old added.

Rui Hachimura's injury a big blow to Japan

Japan are winless in the ongoing Summer Games. The Asian country began their campaign with a 77-97 loss against reigning world champions Germany and then suffered a defeat against France.

Despite the back-to-back losses, Japan still has an outside shot at qualifying for the quarterfinals. The absence of their best player Rui Hachimura in a must-win game only made the team's task more challenging.

Hachimura leads Japan in points and is ranked fourth overall in scoring. The Lakers' star averages 22.0 points per game on 40% shooting from the field, including 35.7% from the 3-point range.

The 26-year-old averaged 6.5 rebounds, one assist and 0.5 blocks after playing two games in the competition. Japan will have to contend without Hachimura in their last group stage game. The team would find is extremely difficult to find a replacement for player who was shouldering the bulk of the load on the offensive end.

From Group B, Germany and France have already qualified for the knockouts. For Japan to have any chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals, the team would need to register a blowout win over Brazil. Two best third placed teams will reach the knockouts and it will be decided on the basis of points difference. After two game, Japan's points difference is -24.