The Lakers’ rotation has been in flux due to injuries to several key players. Luckily, the team has announced one of them will return tomorrow against the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers News: Key Starter to Return Saturday vs. Nuggets
Rui is Back
Forward Rui Hachimura, who has missed the last four games due to an ankle sprain, is set to return to the Lakers tomorrow when they face the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 PM ET/7:30 PM PT.
Rui Hachimura is off the injury report and will return Saturday against DEN, per the Lakers pic.twitter.com/WLnk2eGZK3
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 23, 2024
On the season, the 26-year-old has averaged 12.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 42% from the field, 50% from three and 82% from the free-throw line. He started all ten games he’s played in so far, including a 3-0 stretch after head coach JJ Redick switched up the starting lineup. In that particular slate, he averaged 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on .423/.400/.800 splits.
Speaking of that starting five—which spurred questions given the impressive play of rookie Dalton Knecht—Redick has confirmed Hachimura will return to the first unit, telling reporters before Thursday’s game:
“My expectation is that Rui would stay in the starting lineup. He’s been awesome for us and I think for the group, whatever role, as a starter, and I know I talked about that not being a ‘role’ but whatever designation Dalton has, whether he’s coming off the bench or as a starter, I don’t think his role changes at all. I think for him mentally, there’s no [effect] to that. He’s just gonna be the same guy. As a coaching staff, we have to be just cognizant of getting him longer stretches on the court.”
Knecht, for what it’s worth, had a fantastic starting run. In his last four starts—all following Hachimura’s injury—he averaged 23.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field and 57% from three. While he may not be a mainstay with the first five, it’s encouraging to know that Redick trusts him to become an integral part of the team’s rotation, an impressive feat for the 23-year-old SEC Player of the Year.
What to Expect From Rui Hachimura
Hachimura’s return brings the Lakers an extra spark plug on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he has improved in terms of shooting and rebounding, burying a career-best 1.8 threes per game and grabbing 2.2 offensive boards per game. He has also looked solid defensively, gaining stops with his 6’8” wingspan and being more aggressive on that end of the floor.
In a time when the Lakers frontcourt has racked up injuries, a healthy Hachimura is a welcome sight. He’d slide right back into his usual starting role in a pivotal stretch for the Lakers. Over the next week, the team is facing the Nuggets (Nov. 23), Suns (Nov. 26), Spurs (Nov. 27) and Thunder (Nov. 29), with the Suns and Thunder being NBA Cup opponents. All four of those teams have several talented wings who can all give the Lakers headaches. Having Hachimura there to stop them is critical, as his pressure takes the load off of Anthony Davis or LeBron James.
The team’s upcoming matchup against Denver is particularly crucial, as the Lakers have a chance to prove themselves against the Nuggets, a conference rival who’s had their number over the last two seasons in the Nuggets. Given his versatility, Hachimura will be tasked to guard one of Michael Porter Jr. or Aaron Gordon, though he may also be switched onto Nikola Jokic—who returned earlier this evening—if need be. Having Rui available in these types of matchups is incredibly important for the Lakers, who have made a statement early on despite some bumps in the road. Hachimura should have no difficulties re-adjusting to play following his injury, because he’s a big reason why the Lakers found such success in the first place.
