Is Rui Hachimura playing tonight against Sacramento Kings? Latest injury update on Lakers forward (Dec. 21)
Rui Hachimura was one of the names listed in the LA Lakers' injury report ahead of their Saturday afternoon game against the Sacramento Kings. The Purple and Gold put on an impressive defensive display at Golden 1 Center on Thursday night against De'Aaron Fox and co. to win 113-100.
The good news for LA is that their forward is listed available after being listed as probable with a left tibial contusion. Joining him as available is Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis). LeBron James also joins the squad after being on IR list as questionable with left foot soreness. Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain), Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood (surgery recovery) continue to be sidelined.
Rui Hachimura's rebounding and three-point shooting (wobbly of late) are still ones that give LA the much-needed impact on both ends of the floor. With their depth taking a hit, the forward's presence will be key in JJ Redick's rotation.
"Letting me play to my strengths": Rui Hachimura sheds light on his season so far
Rui Hachimura is one of the players LA has leaned in on defense this season. The absence of centers Vanderbilt and Wood means more effort on that end of the floor. Speaking to the media ahead of their game against the Kings on Wednesday, Hachimura shed light on his season so far.
“I think they’re just letting me play with my strengths,” Hachimura said via LakersNation.com. "Those things that they’re telling me, it doesn’t hurt my career. It helps my career. It helps me and it helps the team, so it’s a win-win situation. I’m trying to focus on that, especially defensively.
"People always talk about [my defense], but with the team defense, with this concept, I think I can be active and I can not try to guess but be in the right position and I can use my length," he added.
Hachimura's efforts are crucial as the Lakers lack teeth on the defensive end. They are currently placed 18th on scoring defense, allowing their opponents 114.3 points per contest, and allowing an average of 112.3 points per 100 possessions.
Stats-wise, Rui Hachimura is averaging 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 22 games this season. He is shooting a healthy 47.8% from the field and 43.2% from the 3-point line. He will be vital in LA's defense when they take on the Kings on Saturday with their star trio of Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan looking for payback.