Their win on Sunday over the Los Angeles Clippers notwithstanding, the Los Angeles Lakers are still in dire need of wins in bunches. They are 18-19 and in 10th place in the Western Conference, one half game ahead of the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors.
Injuries have been a factor, but they gained some help on that front Sunday when guard D’Angelo Russell returned after missing three games with a bruised tailbone. He got going offensively later in the second half to help the Lakers to their 106-103 victory.
Forward Rui Hachimura, a key piece off the bench, has been banged up throughout the season and has appeared in just 25 of the 37 games as a result. He is dealing with a strained calf that has sidelined him for the team’s last three games.
He was upgraded to doubtful for Tuesday’s matchup with the Toronto Raptors, but he was ruled out not too long before the opening tip.
Rui Hachimura will not play against the Raptors, per Darvin Ham. Although the Lakers coach said Hachimura had “a really good day” on Monday in his rehab for his left calf strain
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 10, 2024
The Lakers have really missed Hachimura’s ability to score one-on-one, run the floor, finish on the fast break and hold his own defensively against opposing big men.