Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura got off to a very strong start in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He put up some big numbers in the exhibition games his native Japan played, and in its first game of group play on Saturday, he logged 20 points and 10 rebounds against Germany.
In Japan’s next game, which was versus France, Hachimura again shined brightly, but he was assessed a very questionable ejection after fouling Rudy Gobert. He left the contest with 24 points.
On Friday, Japan got blown out by Brazil, thus ending its bid for a medal. Hachimura didn’t even play in that game, as he was forced to leave the team beforehand due to a calf injury.
Via Basketnews:
“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 in a statement. “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,” Hachimura added.
The good news here is that there are about two months to go before the start of training camp for the Lakers. That means that, depending on the severity of his injury, Hachimura could be ready for the start of camp, or at least the start of the regular season in mid-October.