Forward Rui Hachimura missed his first game of the season Saturday in Milwaukee because of a sore left calf, head coach JJ Redick told reporters. Redick said the injury had bothered the starter throughout the week and the club chose caution with a back-to-back on the schedule, adding he does not expect the issue to linger.
Marcus Smart was also unavailable against the Bucks due to a viral illness, prompting Redick to insert Bronny James and Jake LaRavia into the opening lineup. For James, the 2024 second-round pick, it was his first start of the season and the second of his career. He logged 10 minutes, slightly below his 11.9-minute average.
Rookie forward Adou Thiero made his NBA debut in the 136-99 victory, contributing four points and one rebound in just under five minutes. A brief post-game dispute arose when Jarred Vanderbilt attempted to secure the game ball for Thiero’s milestone. Crew chief Pat Fraher instead handed the ball to a Bucks attendant, claiming it belonged to Milwaukee and warning Vanderbilt he would be written up.
The matter was quickly resolved at center court when Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo retrieved the ball and passed it to Luka Doncic, who then delivered it to Thiero in the Lakers’ locker room. “I’m very thankful for this team,” said Thiero, the No. 36 pick in June’s draft.
LeBron James, 40, practiced twice with the Lakers’ G League affiliate this week and could appear in his first game of the season as soon as Tuesday. The four-time MVP has been recovering from right-side sciatica.
In a separate note, the Lakers quietly explored trade possibilities for Anthony Davis last December, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Those conversations centered on a potential move during the 2025 offseason. The plan changed in February when Los Angeles dealt Davis to Dallas as part of the blockbuster that brought Doncic to Southern California.
Source: Hoops Rumors
