Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura will remain sidelined for the club’s upcoming two-game road swing because of a right calf injury, head coach JJ Redick said on Monday.
Hachimura, out since Dec. 28, will stay in Los Angeles while the Lakers visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Redick noted the 28-year-old could work out at the team’s G League affiliate, South Bay Lakers, during the brief absence, though those plans are not yet final.
“He’s gonna stay back and try to get some work in,” Redick told reporters. “Him and Austin Reaves both.” Reaves remains out with his own calf strain.
Possible Friday Return
The Lakers return to Crypto.com Arena on Friday to face the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the earliest game in which Hachimura could rejoin the lineup. Los Angeles has gone 2-1 without him, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies twice after a lopsided loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Interim Starting Lineup
In Hachimura’s absence, Redick has experimented with several starting combinations. Forward Jake LaRavia has recently entered the first unit alongside Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton, helping the team steady its play following LaRavia’s December shooting slump.
Hachimura is averaging 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds this season. The Lakers plan to update his status later in the week.
Source: Lakers Nation
