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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for a spark out of the All-Star break. They have fallen to sixth in the Western Conference standings. They only have a two-game lead on the Suns for that spot, which keeps them out of the play-in.
In a game against the Kings, the Lakers decided to change things up for their pregame routine. Usually, they have LeBron James throw the ball in the air before the team does a simultaneous squat. Instead of James doing it, Rui Hachimura took his place.
Luka Doncic must not have been pleased with Hachimura’s performance while he took over for James. He joked about it during his postgame press conference.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura warms up. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
Lakers’ Luka Doncic has Jokes About Rui Hachimura
Talking after the victory, Doncic was asked about Hachimura’s performance taking over for James. He made sure to let everyone know that wasn’t going to happen again.
“Never again. Never again. He was terrible.”
Hachimura clearly didn’t do the ritual right, but it didn’t really matter for this game. The Kings have the third-worst offense in the league, so beating them didn’t take that much effort. LA had lost five of their last eight before that game, so getting a win was important.
Perhaps Hachimura should mess up the pregame routine more often if it will lead to more wins. Hachimura was moved to the bench a few weeks ago, and the results have been mixed. Without him in the starting lineup, the Lakers don’t have a solid wing defender.
Doncic has been searching for ways to stay happy in the midst of some poor play from Los Angeles. Getting wins against bad teams is still a way to move up the standings, and that’s what the Lakers are looking to do.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic shoots the ball. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Lakers Are Finally a Healthy Team
Injuries have been a massive story with the Lakers this season. It started before the year, when James had sciatica. He missed the first month of the season, and then came along slowly. Austin Reaves has been dealing with injuries over the last couple of months, as well.
Doncic has missed a few games, although he hasn’t had a serious injury yet. Now, the team is finally healthy heading into the final stretch of the season. Keeping the team that way is going to be the key to them staying out of the play-in.
Right now, the Lakers have the ninth-worst defense in the league. Now that they are fully healthy, they have to find a way to play more connected on that end of the court. Los Angeles has struggled to play well with Doncic, James, and Reaves all on the floor at the same time.
The Lakers have a middle of the road strength of schedule for the rest of the season. That means they should be able to make up some ground in the standings if they stay healthy.