Hachimura's injury was initially called a knee strain. But according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, it has now been diagnosed as patellar tendinopathy. The forward will be examined again in one week.

It hasn't been an easy stretch for rookie Dalton Knecht, who faced an unusual situation in his debut season. The Lakers traded him to the Hornets only to void the deal after Mark Williams failed his physical. Knecht returned to the organization, aware that he had become a tradeable asset after initially looking like a long-term prospect.

A former NBA star recently named Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura the best third- and fourth-string options in the league.

The surging Lakers will feel the absence of Reaves and/or Hachimura if either has to miss much time. Reaves has recorded multiple 30-point games since New Year’s Eve and is averaging 23.5 PPG in his last 11. Hachimura is a full-time starter when healthy, averaging 13.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest this season.

LA Lakers forward Rui Hachimura exited abruptly for the second time in three games on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.