Lakers Provide Update on Rui Hachimura Ahead of Magic Matchup
The Los Angeles Lakers aim to end thei two-game skid when they take on the Orlando Magic on Monday night, kicking off a four-game road trip. Over the past few weeks, the Lakers have struggled, winning only three of their last eight contests, with injuries significantly affecting their consistency.
LeBron James and Rui Hachimura were expected to help the team bounce back after returning from injuries on Saturday. However, even with one of their healthiest rosters in recent weeks, the Lakers suffered a tough 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls, dropping their record to 43-27.
Hachimura, who had been out since Feb. 27 due to a knee injury, admitted postgame that he is not yet fully recovered and may need additional rest before returning to peak form (via NBA reporter Mark Medina). As the Lakers prepare for their matchup against Orlando, they have officially listed Hachimura as questionable with left patellar tendinopathy on their latest injury report.
It remains uncertain whether the 27-year-old forward will play on Monday, but the team is expected to monitor his minutes closely to keep him healthy for the postseason.
This season, Hachimura is averaging 13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 50.4% from the floor and 40.7% from three-point range.
Since being traded from the Washington Wizards midway through the 2022-23 season, Hachimura has become an integral part of the Lakers’ rotation.
With only 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference, trailing the second-seeded Houston Rockets (46-26) by two games. Los Angeles will look to finish strong as they continue their pursuit of an 18th NBA championship.