As injured players make their way back to the Los Angeles Lakers, forward Rui Hachimura is expected to remain the first scorer off the bench instead of reclaiming his earlier starting spot.
Hachimura opened the season in the starting lineup for 27 straight games before head coach JJ Redick moved him to the second unit for the last seven contests. With unrestricted free agency looming this summer, establishing himself as a starter could enhance his market value, yet the 25-year-old said that is not his priority.
“A lot of people think about stats and all that, but for me it’s like winning. That’s gonna help us to everybody get paid,” Hachimura said. “With this second unit, I get more touches too … It’s more about who’s finishing the game or playing more minutes. For me, that’s more important.”
Guard Austin Reaves, sidelined since Christmas Day by a strained calf, could return later this week. Redick is weighing a defensive-minded starter such as Jake LaRavia or Marcus Smart while keeping Hachimura in the reserve group. The coach praised Hachimura’s flexibility, calling him “easy to work with.” Hachimura added, “The things that I like to do, I’m doing here. I just gotta embrace doing whatever it takes to win.”
Luka Doncic Shines in Dallas Return
Luka Doncic improved to 2-0 at American Airlines Center since being traded last winter, anchoring the Lakers’ late rally in Saturday’s win. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick targeted the guard on six consecutive defensive possessions in the fourth quarter, and Doncic produced a stop each time. Afterward, he thanked Mavericks fans for attending despite severe weather, calling their support “really special.”
Smart Plays Through Finger Injury
Marcus Smart dislocated his right index finger in the closing minutes Saturday, immediately reset it himself, and stayed in the game. The veteran underwent surgery on the same finger during the offseason.
Lineup Combination Under Scrutiny
In The New York Post, Khobi Price advised the Lakers to avoid revisiting the lineup of Doncic, Reaves, Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton that Redick tried earlier in the season. That group posted a minus-19.9 net rating and often surrendered early leads.
The Lakers continue a four-game homestand on Wednesday, when Redick is expected to finalize any rotation changes.
Source: HoopsRumors
