The Los Angeles Lakers confirmed Saturday that forward Rui Hachimura (left calf soreness) and guard Marcus Smart (viral illness) will not play against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
LeBron James (right sciatica) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) remain sidelined, leaving Los Angeles without four rotation players for the last contest of a five-game trip. The matchup comes less than 24 hours after the Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Despite the absences, head coach JJ Redick is expected to have Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves available. Redick also indicated that 21-year-old rookie Adou Thiero could make his NBA debut, providing depth against Giannis Antetokounmpo and a Bucks squad that has won seven of its last eight.
Hachimura’s calf issue surfaced earlier in the week, and the club elected to sit him to avoid aggravating the injury this early in the season. After Saturday’s game, the Lakers get two days off before hosting the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, followed by a four-day break.
Los Angeles enters the night at 9-4, having weathered multiple injuries since opening night. The team may receive a boost soon: James practiced this week with the South Bay Lakers of the G League and could return as early as next week, which would mark his record-setting 23rd NBA season.
Source: LakersNation.com
