One of the unsung heroes for the Los Angeles Lakers over the past couple of seasons has been Rui Hachimura. The forward has improved greatly, becoming the team’s best 3-point shooter while working hard to improve as a rebounder and defender as well.
Needless to say, his recent absence due to a calf injury was felt greatly by the Lakers and the team has been extremely cautious with him since his return. Hachimura has been on a minutes restriction while also coming off the bench, but his 10-point night in the Lakers victory against the Toronto Raptors was his second straight double-digit scoring game.
Afterwards, Hachimura spoke about where he is with his recovery, noting that he is still trying to get his rhythm back, but games like this help him do just that.
“I’m still on a minutes restriction and still trying to get back to my rhythm,” Hachimura said. “But those kinds of stuff helps me. It’s a long season, we’re at the halfway point. So yeah, as a team we have to connect to each other again. I think we have one day rest, whatever that is, but we gotta rest tomorrow and get back on Tuesday against Denver. That’s gonna be a big game too.”
That game against the Nuggets is the start of an eight-game road trip, so the Lakers would certainly love for Hachimura to return to the form he was at in the beginning of the season. But physically, Hachimura insists he is good now, but still getting treatment to make sure the calf is alright going forward.
“I’m fine. Just still getting back into my rhythm. With the calf, still getting treatment and all that, so yeah, gotta keep doing it.”
Calf injuries are scary and Austin Reaves is dealing with one as well so the Lakers understand they must be extremely cautious. Hachimura has been such an important part of this team’s success so ensuring he is back at 100% is a top priority.
His role may be a bit different as he is coming off the bench right now and that could continue even once his minutes restriction is lifted. But either way, getting his scoring and physicality back should give the Lakers a boost overall.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praises Jarred Vanderbilt for starring in his role
Another important part of the Lakers rotation as of late has been defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt, whom JJ Redick praised for being a star in his role over the past month.
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