LeBron James, Lakers, JJ Redick
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Lakers coach JJ Redick watches the action as LeBron James waits to go back in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the NBA first playoff round at Crypto.com Arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to welcome back a key rotation piece, but Rui Hachimura’s imminent return has created a notable dynamic around the starting lineup.
During Hachimura’s absence, Jake LaRavia has stepped into an expanded role and done enough to position himself as a short-term fixture with the first unit.
That direction was effectively confirmed by head coach JJ Redick on Sunday, who indicated that Hachimura will be eased back on a minutes restriction and is likely to come off the bench initially.
“He’s going to be on a minutes restriction when he comes back,” Redick said. “He’ll likely come off the bench, similar to what we did with [Austin Reaves], when he was on his minutes restriction.”
With that plan in place, LaRavia appears poised to keep his starting spot as the Lakers prioritize continuity while managing Hachimura’s return.
Lakers’ Jake LaRavia Makes His Case in Expanded Role
LaRavia has been one of the primary beneficiaries of Hachimura’s six-game absence, moving into the starting lineup and logging heavy minutes on the wing.
He delivered immediate offensive production, scoring 21 and 26 points in back-to-back wins over the Memphis Grizzlies to open the new year, then added 16 points and seven rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs while knocking down four three-pointers.
Beyond scoring, the 24-year-old has provided consistent defensive activity and energy. Over the six games Hachimura missed, LaRavia recorded 12 steals, helping stabilize a Lakers defense that has often been forced into makeshift alignments.
The statistical split between his roles highlights the impact. In 21 games off the bench this season, LaRavia has averaged 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal in just over 21 minutes per game.
As a starter, those numbers have climbed to 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals across 15 games, with his minutes increasing to 33.6 per night. His efficiency has improved as well, shooting 48.6% from the field and 34.8% from three in the starting role.
Signing to a two-year, $12 million deal last offseason, the 6-foot-7 forward has filled a clear need on the roster. His defensive versatility, floor spacing and willingness to play within the flow of the offense has allowed the Lakers to maintain structural balance alongside their stars.
That reliability has taken on added importance given Los Angeles’ ongoing bench struggles. The Lakers currently rank last in the NBA in bench scoring at 24.9 points per game, making production at the top of the rotation particularly valuable.
Rui Hachimura’s Return Adds Welcome Depth
Hachimura is expected to be available against the Sacramento Kings after being removed from the injury report, signaling the end of his absence due to a right calf strain suffered late last month.
He practiced fully over the weekend and expressed confidence in his recovery, though final clearance remained dependent on discussions with the training staff.
“I’m fine. I think it’s been two weeks almost, so my calf is healed,” Hachimura said. “I was practicing here with the G League and trying to be healthy and get better, and I feel good about it tomorrow.”
Redick confirmed that Hachimura completed all aspects of practice and even stayed late to get additional shots up, but reiterated that the Lakers will take a cautious approach.
Like Austin Reaves earlier this season, Hachimura is expected to come off the bench as he works through his minutes restriction. The measured reintegration reflects both the nature of calf injuries and Hachimura’s history with them.
Before going down, the 27-year-old had been one of the Lakers’ most dependable contributors, 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.
Getting Hachimura back, even in a limited role, will help shore up a rotation that has been stretched thin. With LaRavia providing steady two-way production and injured players expected to ramp up gradually, the Lakers appear positioned to prioritize depth and continuity moving forward.