Lakers Express Optimism Rui Hachimura Could Return Monday Against Kings
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The Los Angeles Lakers believe forward Rui Hachimura may be ready to play Monday when they face the Sacramento Kings, head coach JJ Redick said before Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Hachimura, sidelined since late November with a left calf strain, was initially listed as questionable for the Milwaukee matchup but was later ruled out. Los Angeles dropped that contest, 105-101.
“He’s made a lot of progress just in terms of regaining strength and mobility in his calf,” Redick told reporters. “He had a good workout today and there’s a lot of optimism that he’ll be available Monday. But we’ll see how the next few days go.”
The Lakers have approached calf issues cautiously after a recent rise in related injuries league-wide. Guard Austin Reaves is also recovering from a calf strain and remains out.
During Hachimura’s absence, Redick has inserted second-year forward Jake LaRavia into the starting lineup. LaRavia, alongside Marcus Smart, has helped spark an uptick in defensive efficiency, creating a potential decision for the coaching staff once Hachimura is cleared.
The Lakers value Hachimura’s floor spacing—he has been one of the roster’s most reliable corner three-point shooters—and see his return as a boost to a rotation thinned by injuries. Hachimura recently said the group must “collectively step up” while Reaves is unavailable.
Los Angeles enters Monday’s game seeking additional depth as it navigates a demanding December schedule.
Source: LakersNation.com
