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EL SEGUNDO, CA - APRIL 02: Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a Lakers practice at UCLA Health Training Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in El Segundo, CA.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the New York Knicks (at home).
Right before the game, the news came down that LeBron James has been ruled out for the second straight contest.
The 41-year-old is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 50.4% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range in 44 games.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “LeBron James (left elbow contusion, left foot arthritis) is out against the Knicks, the Lakers say.”
Dave McMenamin
LeBron James (left elbow contusion, left foot arthritis) is out against the Knicks, the Lakers say.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Starting Lineup Against Knicks
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench after an injury during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
For Sunday’s game, the Lakers have announced their starting lineup (without James).
Underdog NBA wrote: “Lineup alert: Lakers will start Doncic, Smart, Reaves, Hachimura, Ayton on Sunday.”
Hachimura (who is filling in for James) is averaging 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 50.2% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range in 51 games.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Hachimura’s NBA Career
https://x.com/realapp/status/2015993883826540756GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 14: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three point basket during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on February 14, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Hachimura was the ninth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga.
He spent the first three and a half seasons of his career with the Washington Wizards.
The 28-year-old has averages of 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 49.7% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range in 388 career games.
Real App wrote (on January 26): “Rui Hachimura passes Magic & Kareem for the 2nd most games in Lakers history with: 20+ PTS 95%+ TS”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 6, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) scores uncontested against the Indiana Pacers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 6, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)