Rui Hachimura’s hot hand was supposed to be one of the Lakers’ best hopes for redemption in Game 2. Instead, he’s headed to the locker room — and suddenly, so is L.A.’s momentum.
Midway through the first quarter of a must-win matchup against the Timberwolves, Hachimura took a hard shot to the face from Naz Reid while battling inside. He stayed down, grabbing at his head before being helped off the floor. TNT’s cameras caught the impact in slow motion — Reid’s elbow caught Rui flush, and the reaction was immediate.
Within moments, the Lakers forward was walking to the locker room with trainers, leaving L.A. fans holding their breath.
