The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a challenging stretch with five games over just seven days. After a recent 124-112 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, the team has now lost three consecutive games. Their upcoming schedule remains daunting, leading into an eight-game road trip beginning January 20 in Denver.
The Lakers currently have a record of 23-14 and are at risk of extending their slump. Star player LeBron James may be limited in future matches as he has not participated in back-to-back games this season. Against the Kings, he played 33 minutes, scoring 22 points. If he is sidelined, there is hope for the return of Rui Hachimura.
Rui Hachimura’s Return
Rui Hachimura missed two weeks due to a calf injury but became available for the Kings game, though he did not play. There are expectations he will contribute against the Atlanta Hawks in the second game of this back-to-back. Initially, he will have a minutes restriction and will not start immediately.
Head Coach JJ Redick highlighted Hachimura’s shooting prowess, stating, “He’s our best catch-and-shoot guy.” Hachimura boasts a 43.6% shooting rate on catch-and-shoot attempts, ranking him 23rd among players with over 100 attempts. He averages 12.7 points per game with a team-best three-point shooting percentage of 44.5%.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his shooting talent, Hachimura has faced defensive challenges and is averaging only 3.8 rebounds per game, which matches his career-low. In his absence, Jake LaRavia has stepped up, offering reliable defense and scoring options. Redick remains uncertain about future starting lineups as the team strives to find the right balance between offense and defense.
Before the Kings game, the Lakers ranked 11th in offensive rating and 24th defensively, indicating a negative net rating even with a winning record. Being the only team with a negative net rating among winning teams emphasizes the need for improved performances, particularly from their perimeter players.
All-Star Voting Update
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic leads the All-Star voting with over 2.2 million votes, significantly ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Doncic’s outstanding performance includes a scoring average of 33.6 points per game, making him a strong candidate for his sixth All-Star appearance. LeBron James sits at eighth place in Western Conference voting, and his potential to miss the All-Star game this year looms after injuries reduced his playing time and performance.
Upcoming Games
- Tuesday vs. Hawks (20-21), 7:30 PM – The Hawks have won three consecutive games, improving after trading Trae Young.
- Thursday vs. Hornets (14-26), 7:30 PM – LaMelo Ball returns, adding a new dynamic to the matchup.
- Saturday vs. Trail Blazers (19-21), 7:00 PM – The Trail Blazers recently saw a five-game win streak end but remain competitive.
- Sunday vs. Raptors (24-16), 6:30 PM – This matchup marks the second game of the Lakers’ back-to-back stretch.
Status Updates
- Austin Reaves: Nursing a left calf strain; reevaluation in two weeks.
- Adou Thiero: Right MCL sprain; reassessment in over two weeks.
As the Lakers navigate this critical period, Hachimura’s return could be pivotal in boosting their performance as they attempt to reverse the recent trend of losses.
