Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura said Sunday he anticipates playing Monday night against the Sacramento Kings, signaling the end of a two-week absence caused by a right calf strain.
“I’m fine,” Hachimura told reporters after practice. “My calf is healed. I’ve been working out with the G League group while the team was on the road, and I feel good for tomorrow.”
The 28-year-old has battled calf issues in previous seasons, though this setback affected the opposite leg. Hachimura emphasized that careful rehabilitation was essential. “The calf is really important,” he said. “You have to stay on top of the recovery, the workouts, the rehab—everything has to be taken seriously.” He added that training staff will give final clearance before tipoff at Crypto.com Arena.
Hachimura has missed the past several games, forcing head coach Darvin Ham to lean on Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt for front-court minutes. The Lakers have dropped their last two contests and have occasionally struggled to generate offense without Hachimura’s floor-spacing ability.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, Hachimura said contract considerations are secondary to helping the team win. “I’m trying to help this team. I’ve been here three or four seasons and I love playing with these guys,” he said. “The second half of the season is coming, so we all have to ramp it up.”
Hachimura’s return would bolster a roster that has looked thin at times. Although his minutes are expected to be limited initially, the Kings game offers an opportunity for the forward to regain rhythm as the Lakers seek to snap their brief skid.
Source: Lakers Nation
