During the four games Rui Hachimura has played in since returning from his calf injury, his play hasn’t necessarily impressed.
The Lakers forward is averaging 7.8 points, and shooting just 31.3% from 3-point
range. Those numbers are a far cry from his season averages of 12.1 points per game and 42.9% shooting percentage from deep.
While Hachimura hasn’t returned to his expected level of play just yet, he did have some bright moments during the Lakers’ win against the Raptors.
In the third quarter, Hachimura scored eight points, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers to help the Lakers take control of the game.
After the win, Hachimura explained that his playing time is still limited and that a good second-half shift can help him get back into a groove.
“I’m still on a minutes restriction, Hachimura said. ”I’m still trying to get back to my rhythm and those kind of things helps me. It’s a long season. We’re at the halfway point. We have to, as a team, we got to connect to each other again. I think we have one day rest, whatever that is. We got to rest tomorrow and then get back on Tuesday against Denver.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that Hachimura would be on a minutes restriction upon returning, but now we have confirmation from Rui that he’s still on that restriction.
So the playing time he’s gotten so far is now necessarily an indication of his spot in the rotation.
Once he is available to play with no restrictions, we’ll see whether Redick relegates him to the bench or if he’ll once again start ahead of a player like Jake LaRavia.
For now, the objective for Hachimura has to be to continue ramping up so he can be fully healthy and return to that elite catch-and-shoot player he’s been all season for the purple and gold.
Once he does that, the rest of the details, like when he comes in and whether he starts, will take care of itself.
The Lakers are set to begin an eight-game road trip, so hopefully, at some point during that time away from LA, Hachimura will be fully available to play.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
