After a red-hot run after acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, the Los Angeles Lakers have come back down to earth. They have lost each of their last four games, and star forward LeBron James is set to miss at least one more week due to a groin injury he suffered in a loss to the Boston Celtics.
Another player the Lakers have been without recently is Rui Hachimura, who is dealing with a knee injury. The Japanese native has not suited up since February 27 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, ahead of their game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, new reports have provided some clarity on Hachimura's status, including when fans should expect him back on the court.
The Lakers are 4-4 in their last eight games without Hachimura, who has started every game for them this season. Fortunately for them, his return could be on the horizon as ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Hachimura is expected back this week.
Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown: LeBron James has his first on-court workout today – with ESPN footage – plus a Lakers return timetable update: pic.twitter.com/xTeiMRblnp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 16, 2025
"Rui Hachimura has been out eight consecutive games with a knee injury. I'm told there's optimism he's gonna be back here within the week," Charania said.
Hachimura's return will be big for the Lakers, especially since they are already down James.
After climbing all the way up to the No. 2 seed in the West, the Lakers are now back down to the No. 5 seed and are just two games ahead of the Golden State Warriors in the standings. As they look to end the regular season on a high note, getting Hachimura back will give them an extra reinforcement.
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This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 12:48 PM.