The Los Angeles Lakers have maintained a cautious approach throughout the recovery of Rui Hachimura, who has been sidelined since late last month with a right calf strain.
After missing five consecutive games, signs initially pointed towards a potential return on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Hachimura was upgraded to questionable on the injury report prior to tipoff, suggesting he was nearing clearance.
However, he was ultimately downgraded to out, extending his absence as the Lakers fell 105-101 to Milwaukee.
Lakers Continue Careful Approach With Hachimura
The 27-year-old missed a recent two-game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs, remaining in Los Angeles to continue his rehabilitation.
As part of the final stages of that process, Hachimura was assigned to the Lakers’ G League affiliate for on-court work, a common step for players nearing a return to game action.
Even with that progress, the Lakers opted to hold him out for a sixth straight game on Friday. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized the team’s conservative mindset ahead of the Bucks matchup.
“He’s made a lot of progress just in terms of regaining strength and mobility in his calf,” Redick said before the game. “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 are scheduled to face the Sacramento Kings on Monday, followed by a two-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets.
While a return against Sacramento has not been confirmed, all indications suggest Hachimura is closing in on game readiness.
He’s not the only rotation piece sidelined. Austin Reaves remains out with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and is expected to be re-evaluated towards the end of January, while rookie Adou Thiero is facing a minimum four-week absence due to a right MCL sprain.
Hachimura’s Return Could Stabilize Lakers Rotation
Even if his return has taken slightly longer than anticipated, Hachimura’s availability appears imminent and would provide much-needed stability for a Lakers team that has leaned heavily on makeshift rotations in recent weeks.
Through 27 games this season, Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 52.1% from the field and a career-high 44.5% from three-point range on 4.1 attempts per game.
That efficiency has solidified his role as a dependable two-way presence capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions.
In his absence, Jake LaRavia has benefited most, stepping into the starting lineup and logging increased minutes. While there have been calls for LaRavia to retain a larger role, Hachimura’s return is viewed less as a line-up debate and more as a necessary boost to overall depth.
Los Angeles currently rank last in the NBA in bench scoring at 24.9 points per game, well behind the rest of the league. The lack of secondary production has placed added strain on the starters and limited lineup flexibility, particularly during close games.
Despite Friday’s loss, the Lakers remain well positioned in the standings, sitting fifth in the Western Conference at 23-13, 2.5 games behind the San Antonio Spurs in second place, with the Oklahoma City Thunder holding a comfortable lead at the top.
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