Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick discussed the status of Rui Hachimura, who recently returned from injury. According to Redick, Hachimura will have a minutes restriction and will come off the bench as he regains full health.
Hachimura’s Injury Situation
The Lakers faced issues regarding Hachimura’s availability during recent games. He has been sidelined due to a calf injury, missing a total of seven games. This new injury has raised concerns about his recovery and readiness to return to the court.
Minutes Restriction and Bench Role
Redick indicated that Hachimura would have “severe” minutes restrictions in his upcoming appearances. The coach explained that Hachimura was only available for one game during the recent back-to-back schedule. The final decision regarding his playing status came in the morning of that game.
- Hachimura missed seven consecutive games.
- He is expected to come off the bench in his return.
- Minutes restriction labeled as “severe” by coach Redick.
Due to this situation, Hachimura was designated as a DNP-CD instead of being ruled out, which indicated last-minute decisions regarding his participation. Redick’s comments suggest a cautious approach as the coaching staff considers Hachimura’s health moving forward.
Importance of Hachimura’s Return
Despite limited playtime, Hachimura’s return is seen as beneficial for the team. His experience on the court can contribute positively, particularly in future games. Redick expressed hope that Hachimura would perform well against the Atlanta Hawks, allowing him to move past this calf injury.
Continued performance evaluation will be critical for Hachimura as he seeks to regain his starting position. The Lakers will monitor his progress closely in the upcoming weeks.
