Lakers Face Short-Handed Stretch as Hachimura Sits, Ayton and Reaves Near Return
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The Los Angeles Lakers will be without forward Rui Hachimura on Saturday, Dec. 21, after the 28-year-old was ruled out with left hip soreness that began during Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz, head coach JJ Redick told reporters.
Redick said Hachimura is expected to miss “three to five days,” describing the decision as precautionary. The Lakers have regularly taken a conservative approach with injuries throughout the season.
Center Deandre Ayton (left elbow) and guard Austin Reaves (left calf) also remain sidelined but are “progressing,” according to Redick, who did not rule out either player for Tuesday’s matchup in Phoenix. Both have missed the past four games.
Los Angeles enters the weekend near the top of the Western Conference standings behind MVP candidate Luka Doncic and veteran LeBron James, who has continued to increase his workload after missing the season’s first eight contests with sciatica. Despite the injuries, the Lakers own one of the league’s best records at 20-6.
Ayton’s interior presence and Reaves’ perimeter energy have been missed during the recent stretch. Los Angeles has allowed 117.5 points per game over its last four outings, up from 110.2 on the season.
Off the court, Doncic further endeared himself to teammates and staff by gifting E-bikes for the holidays. The All-Star guard said he wanted to thank “the people who have been working hard every day.”
Source: LakersNation.com
