Rui Hachimura Injury History

Rui Hachimura is a talented Japanese basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Born in Toyama, Japan, on February 8, 1998, he first played high school basketball at Meisei High School, where he led his team to victory in Japan's All-Japan High School Tournament. After catching the attention of scouts, Hachimura moved to the U.S. and joined Gonzaga University. In 2019, he was drafted ninth overall by the Washington Wizards, becoming only the second Japanese-born player in the NBA.

In his college career, Hachimura impressed fans and scouts with his high-scoring and strong defensive skills. He continued to develop in his three seasons with the Wizards. In early 2023, he was traded to the Lakers, where he quickly found his role as a key player off the bench. During the 2023 playoffs, he had a standout game, scoring 29 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. His contributions helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals. Beyond the NBA, Hachimura also represents Japan internationally and inspires basketball fans worldwide.

Rui Hachimura’s Injury History

Rui Hachimura has faced many kinds of injuries and challenges throughout his NBA career, some physical and others mental. His health setbacks and especially, prolonged high-profile mental health break, make him a notable case in the NBA’s evolving approach to athlete well-being. Here’s a detailed look at the major events that have affected Hachimura’s career:

Major injuries Rui Hachimura sustained in the NBA

Groin Injury (December 2019 - January 2020)

Rui Hachimura started his rookie season strong, playing 25 consecutive games for the Washington Wizards. However, during his 25th game on December 16, 2019, against the Detroit Pistons, a freak incident happened. While going for a contested rebound, Hachimura’s Wizards teammate Isaac Bonga extended his leg in such a way that it hit Hachimura and he came down with a painful groin injury.

The injury was initially thought to be minor, but it ultimately required a minor surgical procedure, as reported by Bullets Forever. Although a report on the NBA's official website suggested that Hachimura would miss up to only five games, he ended up sidelined for 23 games.

EKC Illness (December 2020)

As per ESPN, Rui Hachimura was diagnosed with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) in December 2020. It is an infection in both eyes that caused him intense discomfort and required rest. The Wizards announced he would be out for approximately three weeks. As a result, Hachimura missed the final two preseason games and the first four games early in the NBA's regular season.

Sore Left Knee (April 2021)

In April 2021, Rui Hachimura was sidelined for four games due to soreness in his left knee. He returned by late April, but he played on a minutes restriction during the final stretch of the season.

Personal Mental Health Issues (September 2021 - January 2022)

The start of the 2021-22 NBA season was a unique time in the NBA, as the spotlight began to shift beyond players' physical health to their mental well-being. This was largely due to a decision by Rui Hachimura. As reported by the Bleacher Report, Hachimura informed the coaching staff that he would not attend the Wizards for preseason training camp in September 2021 due to personal reasons. According to a report on Forbes and World Insight, this message set off a period of absence that would extend through nearly half of the NBA season and started important conversations about mental health in sports. Hachimura eventually returned to the Wizards lineup on January 9, 2022, in a game against the Orlando Magic. His extended break—a 39-game absence—became a testament to the evolving perspective on mental health within the NBA. Hachimura joined a growing number of athletes who have taken time away to prioritize their mental health.

According to the Eagle Online, in 2018, the NBA took steps toward supporting players' mental well-being by launching NBA Mind Health. The program's mission has been to foster open dialogue about mental health, providing players, staff, youth, and fans with access to resources and professionals. NBA Mind Health Director Dr. Kensa Gunter has highlighted the gap between public perception and the reality of athletes' lives. “Seeing that dominant image might result in the average person not thinking about the players’ lives, not thinking about people navigating relationships and experiencing stress in different ways, not seeing the regular person,” Dr. Gunter said in an interview with Forbes.

For Hachimura, cultural expectations added an extra layer of difficulty to his decision. Masami Horikawa, a sports psychology researcher at Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Japan, shed light on the unique pressures Japanese athletes often face while speaking with the Washington Post. “Not all pressure is bad, but as a culture, Japanese people expect that individuals can accomplish everything, and perfectionism is seen as a beauty,” Horikawa told The Washington Post. “So as a culture, we expect and praise individuals who can succeed all on their own without any help.” For Hachimura, taking a break to prioritize his mental health was a decision that went against the cultural grain, but one he deemed necessary for his well-being and basketball career.

When Hachimura returned, he rejoined the Wizards lineup in the 40th game of the season, coming off the bench in a narrow 102-100 victory over the Magic. Though he was away for a substantial period, his return felt like a new beginning. In a league where players are often expected to push through adversity without rest, Hachimura’s decision set an example. As the conversation about mental health in sports continued, Hachimura’s incident started encouraging more players to prioritize their mental well-being. It paved the way for a more balanced approach to health in professional sports.

Bone Bruise in Right Ankle (November - December 2022)

Rui Hachimura sustained a bone bruise in his right ankle on November 18, 2022, against the Miami Heat. Initially considered minor, the injury lingered, causing him to miss 16 games before returning on December 20, 2022.

Left Eye Contusion and Concussion (October - November 2023)

On October 29, 2023, Rui Hachimura suffered a concussion after a left eye contusion in a game against the Sacramento Kings. He was placed in the NBA's concussion protocol and missed four games as a result. The Lakers managed to go 2-2 in his absence.

Nasal Fracture (November 2023)

Just weeks after his concussion, Hachimura suffered a nasal fracture in a game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 22, 2023. As per ESPN, Hachimura underwent a procedure to repair the fracture and missed five games. Upon returning, Rui Hachimura wore a protective face mask.

Calf Injury (December 2023 - January 2024)

In late December 2023, Hachimura strained his left calf during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This injury led to another five-game absence in an already injury-laden season. He returned in January 2024, looking to re-establish his presence despite the repeated interruptions to his 2023-2024 season.