Rui Hachimura returns after injury in Lakers’ Game 2 win, JJ Redick confirms he’ll keep wearing mask

Playoff basketball doesn’t wait for anyone and neither did Rui Hachimura. On a night when every possession mattered, the Los Angeles Lakers leaned on grit, hustle, and a little bit of masked heroism to grind out a Game 2 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After taking a shot to the face early in the game, Hachimura briefly exited the floor, only to return moments later with a black protective mask and a fire in his eyes. The Lakers fed off that energy and evened the series, 1-1, with a performance that was anything but ordinary.

After the game, head coach JJ Redick didn’t dodge the obvious topic, Rui Hachimura’s unexpected new look. The forward’s return in a protective mask raised questions about the severity of the injury and what it meant moving forward. Redick reassured reporters that Hachimura is doing well but mentioned that the mask will likely stay on for now as a precautionary measure.
It’s not the most comfortable solution, but it’s a smart one. Facial injuries can be unpredictable, and for someone like Hachimura who brings physicality on both ends of the floor, it makes sense to take extra care. The important part? He’s staying in the lineup, and his presence remains a big part of the Lakers' playoff plans.

While his stat sheet against Minnesota hasn’t exactly turned heads, Rui Hachimura’s presence on the court tells a much bigger story. He brings a level of consistency and versatility that doesn’t always show up in the box score. During the regular season, he quietly averaged 13.1 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 41.3% from beyond the arc, proof of his ability to stretch defenses and keep opposing bigs honest. Add to that his size and strength on defense, and you’ve got a two-way player who can slide into multiple roles depending on the matchup.
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And let’s not overlook his playoff pedigree. Hachimura has built a reputation for stepping up when it matters most. Whether it’s making timely shots, locking in defensively, or simply providing that calm, steady energy in chaotic moments, he has a knack for shining brightest under pressure. If the Lakers have any plans of making a deep postseason run, they’re going to need more of that clutch DNA, mask or no mask.