Lakers hopeful Rui Hachimura will return from injury soon
It’s still unclear when exactly Rui Hachimura will return for the Lakers after missing six games with right calf soreness, but coach JJ Redick said the forward is trending toward playing soon.
That could be as early as Monday night when the Lakers play the Sacramento Kings or Tuesday night when they take on the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena.
Hachimura practiced Sunday and took additional shots after the session. “He was able to do everything in practice,” Redick said.
Hachimura has been in rehabilitation for two weeks. He has participated in a few practices and is eager to return.
Does he think he will play against the Kings?
“I think so. I think I felt good afterwards [practice]but I have to check with the coaches and everyone and then we will see for tomorrow,” Hachimura said.
When he returns, Hachimura will be on a minutes restriction and will likely come off the bench, Redick said.
Hachimura said his calf has “healed,” giving him a chance to train with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League team.
Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27 games. He is shooting 52.1% from the field and 44.5% from three-point range,
“I’m fine,” he said. “I feel good about it.”
Hachimura is aware of how calf injuries have led to more serious illnesses in NBA players. Although staying healthy is a priority as the free agency season approaches, Hachimura said his main concern is helping the Lakers win games.
“I think at the end of the day…I’m trying to help this team win. That’s the whole purpose of being here,” he said. “I’ve been here for four seasons now. I think I’m also one of the guys that’s been here the longest, so I’m happy to be here playing with these guys. The coaches and everyone, I love these guys.
“Of course, the contract and all that stuff happens. But at the end of the day, I’m just trying to focus on each day, just on the moment. … We have a second half coming. As a team too, but for me, I have to be ready for the playoffs.”
NBA suspends Kings guard Dennis Schroder
A day after the NBA suspended Sacramento point guard Dennis Schroder for three games for confronting and attempting to punch Luka Doncic after a game on Dec. 28, Redick provided little information about the incident.
“It’s a league thing,” Redick said. “So I don’t really have any comment on that, to be honest with you. They’ve made their decision. And it’s up to them.”
The league said the incident occurred about 40 minutes after the game, when Schroder sought Doncic in a hallway at Crypto.com Arena and initiated the confrontation.
The two had been taking shots at each other throughout the game, with Doncic at one point mocking Schroder for not signing an $84 million contract with the Lakers in 2021.
After the game, according to people with knowledge of the situation and not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, Schroder was hiding and waiting to attack Doncic in the hallway.
Redick was asked if he knew what happened.
“There’s very little that I’m not aware of,” Redick said.
For his part, Schroder posted “Attempt” on social media with several emojis.
