The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the best teams in the 2025-26 season by record, but it still feels like the team is scratching the surface of their potential.
Luka Doncic looks the part of an MVP this season while LeBron James has steadily been ramping up since missing the start of the year with sciatica. The two superstars have buoyed the Lakers offense, though the team has started to slow down due to injuries to several rotation players.
The most recent hit to the rotation came when the Lakers ruled out Rui Hachimura due to a hip injury. Hachimura joins Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves on the sidelines as the two are dealing with an elbow and calf issue, respectively.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the team is hoping Hachimura doesn’t miss much time while Ayton and Reaves seem to be nearing returns as well:
JJ Redick says Rui Hachimura, out tonight with a sore groin, started to feel discomfort in his hip in the UTA game. Redick says “the hope” is Hachimura is only out for 3-5 days
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 21, 2025
Redick added that Deandre Ayton (left elbow) and Austin Reaves (left calf) are both progressing and did not rule out either of them playing in PHX on Tuesday https://t.co/GeFicCsrlL
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 21, 2025
From head coach JJ Redick’s comments, it sounds like Hachimura is being held out for more precautionary reason. The organization and medical staff have historically been conservative when it comes to players returning from injury, so they’ll allow Hachimura to make his way back at his pace.
Meanwhile, Ayton and Reaves’ looming returns would be a massive boost to the Lakers on both ends of the floor. The offense has managed to stay afloat in their absence, but defensively the team could use Ayton’s size in the middle of the paint and Reaves’ energy and effort on the perimeter.
The Lakers remain near the top of the Western Conference standings, but any more injuries could put them in a precarious spot. Fortunately, the stars have shown they handle the extra load and it’ll be interesting to see how long they can hold down the fort.
Luka Doncic buys gifts for Lakers
Luka Doncic has endeared himself to the Lakers organization and fans through his on-court play and off-the-court generosity. For the holidays, Doncic gifted the players and staff E-bikes and explained he wanted to provide for the people who have been working hard.
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