The Los Angeles Lakers have been without a crucial player in JJ Redick's rotation over the last few weeks.
Starting forward Rui Hachimura has missed each of the Lakers' last nine games with a knee injury. Over the stretch, Los Angeles has notched a 5-4 record.
According to a report from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, there's "optimism" that Hachimura will be back on the court for the Lakers sometime this week. That being said, his return won't come in Monday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers officially ruled Hachimura "out" with the team's updated injury report on Monday afternoon.
LeBron James (left groin strain), Trey Jemison III (illness) and Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) were also listed as "out." Luka Doncic (right ankle sprain) and Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) were upgraded to "probable."
Lakers injury report for tonight vs. the Spurs: Game No. 4 in the six games in eight days stretch pic.twitter.com/PpNq2EL6CF
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 17, 2025
The Lakers stopped a four-game losing skid with a win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. In that 107-96 victory, Los Angeles saw the return of both Doncic and starting center Jaxson Hayes, who'd missed several games with a knee contusion.
With their four-game losing streak, the Lakers fell from the Western Conference's No. 2 seed down to their current position at No. 5. The team now holds a 41-25 record, leading the No. 6 seed Golden State Warriors by 2.5 games.
Monday night's matchup against the Spurs will tipoff at 10:30 p.m. EST from Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena.
Hachimura's next opportunity to return to the court will be the Lakers' matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday evening.
Related: Lakers Release Luka Doncic Injury Update Before Spurs Matchup
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM.