In what has been a demanding stretch of the season, injuries have hit the Lakers hard. Hachimura has been sidelined with a knee injury since late February, sustained during a victory against the Timberwolves. Meanwhile, James has been nursing a left groin strain suffered in a loss to the Celtics.

The good news for the Lakers is that both players are nearing a return. However, JJ Redick emphasized before the game against the Spurs that, due to the team’s packed schedule, neither player is likely to have a full practice before stepping back onto the court.

“I’d have to look at the next three weeks, but very unlikely there’s a practice,” Redick explained. “I think there’s a practice in April. That’s the reality of playing every other day. Even if we do something on the court, there’s not going to be live contact in between games. So they’re just gonna have to ease their way back in”.

“Some of us have had to do that. I had to do it a few times. It’s ideal to have a practice, but I don’t think that’s realistic right now,” Redick continued. “Like we’ve done all year, we’ll work with Leroy [Sims] and our medical team to make sure those guys are covered and safe”.

Lakers find momentum despite James’ absence

The Lakers struggled initially in LeBron James’ absence. After his groin injury during the loss to the Celtics, the team dropped three straight games to the Nets, Nuggets, and Bucks, with Luka Doncic unable to carry the load despite strong performances.

However, in their recent games against the Suns and Spurs, Doncic has formed a dynamic partnership with Austin Reaves. Together, the duo has led the Lakers to two straight wins. Reaves put up impressive back-to-back performances, scoring 28 and 30 points, while Doncic delivered 33 and 21 points, recording double-doubles in both contests and narrowly missing triple-doubles.

When will LeBron James return?

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron James is expected to return for the Lakers’ game against the Orlando Magic, approximately a week after his injury. This timeline means James will miss upcoming matchups against the Nuggets on Wednesday, the Bucks on Thursday, and the Bulls on Saturday.

“Being on the team with Magic… When he came back after announcing he had HIV, we were still a good team—a playoff team,” George Lynch recalled in a recent interview on the Run Your Race podcast. “But with Magic Johnson back, nobody else could really get better.”

Lynch, who played for the Lakers from 1993 to 1996, further elaborated on the difficulties some of his teammates faced while playing alongside Johnson. “Nick Van Exel was on the rise, but he couldn’t grow the way he should have. Out of respect, everybody deferred to Magic,” he explained.

The former forward then drew a parallel to the current Lakers team, particularly in relation to their young players. “I think it’s the same thing with this Lakers team right now. Austin Reaves, the kid from Gonzaga (Rui Hachimura). They’re not going to get better until LeBron leaves because they’re always going to defer to him,” Lynch said. “They’re not going to step into their own because you respect greatness so much. You have to.”

While Lynch acknowledged the impact of the superstars, he clarified that his comments were not a criticism of James’ on-court performance. “I’m not saying LeBron is on the decline—because he’s still doing it. But those young guys? They’re not going to step into their own until they have to.”

How have Reaves, Hachimura fared?

Despite a 2024-25 NBA season that has seen its ups and downs, the Lakers have found solutions not just through the contributions of LeBron James—and more recently Luka Doncic—but also from other players on the roster.

Austin Reaves has enjoyed a career year, averaging 18.8 points per game, surpassing his previous best of 15.9 points in the 2023-24 season. He has also been an integral part of the team, having played 56 of the Lakers’ 63 games this season.

Rui Hachimura has also stepped up, playing 50 games and averaging 32.1 minutes per game. Though his scoring average is almost identical to last season (currently at 13.3 points, compared to 13.6 last year), his role on the team remains important as he continues to contribute significantly.

Rui Hachimura has been diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy. Head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation in a press conference, expressing cautious optimism: “We’re optimistic this is not a serious injury… But we’re still not quite clear on when he will be available to play. But we’re optimistic… We’re just trying to gather all information. He hasn’t been examined by Dr. Jones yet,” Redick stated. He emphasized that the team is still evaluating the extent of Hachimura’s condition.

Meanwhile, Dr. Evan Jeffries offered a brief assessment of Hachimura’s condition. He made a surprising suggestion. “This is likely something he had been dealing with prior to last night,” Dr. Jeffries explained on X, formerly Twitter. He added that Hachimura’s return timeline will depend on his pain level and tolerance. “I would imagine he’s out for at least a week to allow the irritation to subside,” he noted.

With the Lakers fighting to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference, Rui Hachimura’s absence creates a significant challenge for JJ Redick. He has been a key part of the team’s defensive scheme, which has played a crucial role in their recent winning streak. His absence now puts added pressure on the Lakers to adjust their defensive rotations and maintain their momentum.

JJ Redick remains a crucial piece in the Lakers’ NBA championship push

Despite Hachimura’s injury, JJ Redick continues to prove his influence on the Lakers. He consistently keeps the team competitive and finds ways to overcome injuries and roster changes. Many fans and analysts have doubted him, but he continues to defy expectations. His ability to adapt and make key adjustments keeps the Lakers resilient in a tough Western Conference.

At the beginning of this NBA season, the Lakers struggled to find stability. Anthony Davis and Max Christie left, creating gaps in the roster. Long-term injuries have added even more challenges.

JJ Redick has worked to restore balance within the team. He also found a way to integrate Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Their chemistry has improved without sacrificing the team’s overall cohesion.

Rui Hachimura, a vital contributor in the Lakers’ system, has candidly acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in leveraging the defensive attention Lebron James and Davis attract.

“With Bron, he gets a lot of attention, he gets all the attention defensively. Literally, sometimes they’re all watching him,” Hachimura said following the Lakers’ loss to the Clippers last week. “I think that’s the stuff, when they attract a lot of defense and attention—Bron and AD—we have to move more, but we can’t kill the spacing. We’ve got to get back and watch the film to see what the spacing looks like and fix that.”

Hachimura’s consistency: A key asset for the Lakers

Despite ongoing trade rumors, Hachimura has established himself as an integral part of the Lakers’ success this season. While he may not post flashy numbers, his consistency and ability to adapt to the team’s system make him a valuable asset.

Rui Hachimura excels at capitalizing on the opportunities created by James and Davis, often cutting to the basket and exploiting defensive lapses. His efficiency on offense—shooting 48.7% from the field and 41% from three-point range—ensures he remains a constant threat to opposing defenses.

An ideal complement to the Lakers’ stars

Since joining the Lakers during the 2022-23 season, Hachimura has seamlessly adapted to his role within the team. His high basketball IQ and off-ball movement make him the perfect complement to the team’s stars.

This season, Hachimura is averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 37 games. His presence provides much-needed balance to the Lakers, giving James and Davis the space they need to dominate while contributing crucial versatility and reliability on both ends of the court.

As the Lakers continue their journey, Hachimura’s ability to adapt and deliver will remain essential in solidifying the team’s identity and pursuing success in the NBA.

According to Bleacher Report, the Lakers have no interest in parting ways with Hachimura and Knecht at this time. The organization has reportedly decided to keep both players on the roster for the remainder of the season, putting an end to any trade discussions involving them.

Under head coach JJ Redick, both players have played significant roles. Dalton Knecht has appeared in all 35 games this season, contributing 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. While his role has primarily been off the bench—averaging 22.1 minutes per game—he has provided valuable depth for the Lakers’ rotation.

Rui Hachimura, meanwhile, has been even more integral to the team’s success. Playing in 30 of 35 games this season, The forward has averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. His consistent performance has made him a key fixture in the Lakers’ lineup.

The Lakers’ untouchables

While Hachimura and Knecht are staying put for now, they are far from the only players the Lakers are unwilling to trade. LeBron James and Anthony Davis, of course, remain central to the team’s future and are untouchable. Additionally, according to Bleacher Report, the Lakers are not looking to part with key supporting players such as Austin Reaves or even Bronny James, who’s been tied to the organization’s long-term vision.

The team’s recent acquisitions, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, are also off the table for trade discussions, as they cannot be moved before the February 6 deadline. Finney-Smith has already earned substantial minutes since his arrival, while Milton’s role has been more limited.

Can the Lakers compete with their current roster?

The Lakers’ 2024-25 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by both impressive stretches of play and frustrating losses. With a 20-15 record, they currently sit in 5th place in the Western Conference, a strong position but one that reflects the team’s inconsistency.

As the trade deadline approaches, it remains to be seen if the current roster will be enough for the Lakers to make a serious push in the playoffs. Much of their success will depend on the continued brilliance and health of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Their performances, along with key contributions from the rest of the team, will ultimately determine how far the Lakers can go this season.

The first part of the season has exposed a glaring weakness for the Lakers: a lack of perimeter two-way versatility. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the team is assessing its roster with a focus on maintaining key pieces while exploring trade opportunities.

“I think Rui [Hachimura] is viewed as a longer-term piece. I don’t think that means they would not trade him, but I think when you look at, there are four midsize salaries that the Lakers can trade between now and January 15,” Buha explained on his YouTube channel.

Hachimura has been a consistent contributor for the Lakers this season, complementing LeBron, Davis, and Reaves. Edwin Garcia of Silver Screen and Roll reported that the Lakers seem inclined to retain Hachimura and instead focus trade discussions on the other three midsize contracts on the roster.

“On January 15, Max Christie becomes available, so then it becomes five [tradable contracts], but between now and January 15, the Lakers have four midsize salaries to trade: Rui, D’Lo, Gabe [Vincent], and Jarred Vanderbilt. I think among those four, the guy that they’d prefer to keep from that group would be Rui. That’s the guy that they view as the longest-term piece,” Garcia added.

Is Rui Hachimura a Cornerstone for the Lakers’ Future?

Rui Hachimura has proven to be a versatile and reliable asset for the Lakers, making significant contributions on both ends of the court. Offensively, his ability to drive to the basket and his proficiency in mid-range shooting have added an essential dimension to the Lakers’ attack. His steady production off the bench has been crucial, particularly during stretches when LeBron James or Anthony Davis are not on the floor.

Defensively, Hachimura’s physical presence and ability to guard multiple positions have been instrumental in helping the Lakers adapt to various in-game scenarios. His chemistry with key players like LeBron, Davis, and Austin Reaves has been evident, particularly in pivotal moments where his defensive awareness and offensive versatility have made a tangible impact.

The Lakers’ Strategy for the Second Half of the Season

As the Lakers look ahead to the latter half of the season, they face a clear need to address their perimeter versatility and rotational depth. While trade rumors have swirled around players like D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt, retaining Hachimura appears to be a priority. His consistent performance and potential as a long-term piece make him a valuable asset as the Lakers aim to strike a balance between immediate contention and future sustainability.

The Lakers’ strategy seems focused on sacrificing less critical assets to strengthen specific areas while preserving the core players who have proven their importance. If executed effectively, this approach could position the team not only as serious contenders for the current season but also as a franchise prepared for long-term success.

Following a victory over the Sacramento Kings, Hachimura spoke with reporters and credited his teammates for his strong start. “Playing with LeBron, AD, AR [Austin Reaves], D’Lo, those guys can pass and they’re always looking, watching,” Hachimura said.

“I trust them, and they know I’m good at it. So I think those chemistries we’ve been working on since day one, since I got here, and it’s getting better,” he continued. “It’s just the timing. When my defender loses vision because of the attention they get… it’s just the timing when they turn their heads… they always see me.”

The Lakers began the season with three consecutive home wins but faced a setback at the beginnig of their five-game road trip with the loss to the Suns. Before returning to Los Angeles, LeBron James’ squad will face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Hachimura’s role under JJ Redick

Last season, under head coach Darvin Ham, Hachimura struggled for playing time during a disappointing Lakers campaign. However, with JJ Redick now at the helm, he has started all four games and appears to have gained the confidence he was missing.

Through the Lakers’ first four games of the season, Hachimura is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He’s shooting 43.9 percent from the field, 61.5 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Hachimura says team’s mindset has shifted

Hachimura also emphasized a notable shift in the team’s mindset compared to last season. “I told you guys before the season started, last year we were kind of messing around, like you guys saw that,” he said.

“Just the lineup, everything, injuries, all that. We didn’t have the mindset of, ‘OK, let’s take No. 1 in the West.’” He added, “We didn’t have that mindset, but this year, I think we have that since we started training camp.”

Davis has posted over 30 points in each of the Lakers’ first three wins, a testament to Redick’s approach, as the new head coach has emphasized making Davis a central figure in the offense.

After their latest win over the Sacramento Kings, Hachimura pointed out how Redick’s system has empowered Davis to be more assertive on the court. “I think it’s the same, but he’s more aggressive now,” Hachimura said.

“We have the system now to kind of play and build around him and LeBron. We understand we have more chemistry now, and he’s great at passing too, so it’s hard for teams to guard. We play together,” Hachimura added.

Hachimura says team’s mindset has shifted

Hachimura also highlighted a significant shift in the team’s mindset compared to last season. “I told you guys before the season started, last year we were kind of messing around, like you guys saw that,” Hachimura said.

“Just the lineup, everything, injuries, all that. We didn’t have the mindset of, ‘OK, let’s take No. 1 in the West.’” He added, “We didn’t have that mindset, but this year, I think we have that since we started training camp.”

Davis emphasizes the Lakers’ new identity

Following the Kings game, Davis underscored the team’s evolved identity. “I like where our team is,” Davis said. “Obviously there’s a lot that we can clean up on both ends of the floor, but we’ll definitely take those wins. I’d rather be able to clean up things with a win over a loss.”

“It’s been a tough three games, obviously with three familiar teams from the West,” Davis continued. “We’ve been able to hold our own and put the league on notice that we’re a different team.”

The absence of the Lakers’ stars was felt in a 132-74 loss to the Warriors on Friday night, but Redick’s decision to rest his key players was aimed at keeping them fresh for the season opener against the Dallas Mavericks. LeBron, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell were among those rested, but Hachimura’s situation was different.

The Japanese forward was sidelined due to calf discomfort, which has lingered since the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite the setback, Redick remains optimistic about Hachimura’s availability for the season opener.

“Redick says that he does not believe Hachimura’s calf discomfort will cause him to miss opening night,” posted ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on his X (formerly Twitter) account. While the issue has been ongoing, the Lakers are not overly concerned about Hachimura’s fitness ahead of the 2024-25 season.

JJ Redick praises Rui Hachimura

Despite dealing with calf discomfort, Hachimura’s performances in both games and training camps have earned the trust of his coach. In the short time they’ve worked together, Redick has expressed nothing but praise for the forward.

“Rui has been great. I think we were still getting acclimated when we had our first preseason game, we had only practiced three times and he was not a full participant in most of September, he was in and out of the gym and he had some family stuff. So he’s been super committed to our classroom and in the mornings and we talked about today, feels like that’s been very helpful. And everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done, so he’s been awesome,” said Redick early this month.

Redick reflects on his first preseason with Lakers

Fans were initially surprised when the Lakers handed the reins to JJ Redick, who is in his first head coaching role after a standout NBA career as a player. However, Redick has already earned the respect of his players, who have been supportive of his approach. Speaking with The Athletic‘s Jovan Buha, Redick reflected on his development during his first preseason.

“This is all simultaneously familiar and new if that makes sense. there’s a duality to this for me right now. I’m just trying to be open-minded and self-critical at all times,” Redick said. “I cant’ really say specific thing where I’m like, ‘Oh, I’ve already grown here.’ But I think being comfortable recognizing mistakes and things you could do better. The biggest thing for me is to provide as much clarity as possible to our players. And i think our coaching staff has done that so far,” he stated.

The Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has been playing his starters early in the 2024-25 NBA preseason, fine-tuning the team’s performance and preparing them for a competitive season. Alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, one Lakers key player that has been performing on the court was Rui Hachimura, who shared insights into the team’s focus for the upcoming season.

“Yeah, I think we talked about it before the season starts. This year is gonna be about the details. We’re gonna focus on every possession, it doesn’t matter if it’s the preseason or whatever. For us, it’s a practice. We haven’t had many practices yet so this kind of stuff helps us to get in a good rhythm going into the season,” the Japanese said as Lakers Daily posted on X.

He also reflected on last season’s preparation, noting the need for a more consistent approach this year. “Even last season, we were kind of messing around the first 30-40 games and then we came back and made the playoffs. But I don’t think we can do that this year again so we got to kind of set the tone and just play like we’ve been doing when the season starts,” he stated.

Some fans may have interpreted Hachimura’s comments as criticism of former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. However, he also praised JJ Redick‘s work ethic, acknowledging the coach’s strong impact in his first head coaching job.

In the Lakers’ third preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, Rui Hachimura was one of the high points of the team. In 24 minutes on the court, the forward recorded 14 points, 1 assist, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.

JJ Redick’s plans for Hachimura

Last season, Hachimura averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds while posting a career-high 53.7% field goal percentage. During the preseason, JJ Redick has made it clear that he wants to maximize Hachimura’s impact, especially on the boards.

Redick has been using Hachimura in a more aggressive role, pushing him to improve his rebounding numbers. This strategy has already paid off—Hachimura grabbed 8 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns, 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 5 against the Bucks. These numbers are above his career average of 4.8 rebounds per game.

Hamichura’s words for JJ Redick

Leading the Lakers as a first-time NBA head coach is no easy task, but Hachimura expressed confidence in Redick’s ability to guide the team to success. “He was just in the league. He knows exactly what’s happening in the league right now. For us, it’s easy to understand … whatever he says just makes sense,” said Hachimura when asked about Redick.

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura was one of the players who defended Redick, highlighting his understanding of the game due to his recent playing experience.

“He was just in the league,” Hachimura said. “He knows exactly what’s happening in the league right now. For us, it’s easy to understand … whatever he says just makes sense.”

At 40 years old, Redick brings an impressive basketball résumé to the sidelines. After playing 15 seasons for six NBA teams, Redick transitioned into a successful media career as an ESPN analyst following his retirement in 2021. Now, he’s looking to make his mark as a head coach.

Bronny James on Redick’s coaching impact

Bronny James, LeBron’s son and Lakers rookie, also shared his early impressions of Redick, offering praise for the former sharpshooter’s approach in leading the team. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Bronny described the energy around the team under Redick as refreshing.

“He’s a great coach so far,” Bronny said. “The vibes have been amazing in the facility, and I feel like it’s really lifted the energy from what I’ve heard it was last year.”

Although Bronny is excited for his NBA debut, he acknowledged feeling some nerves about competing at the highest level. “Of course, there’s nerves. There’s nerves with everything,” he admitted.

However, Bronny emphasized his determination to contribute when the opportunity arises. “I always go out and play my game the right way,” he said. “I don’t overthink things. It’s just about working hard, getting better, and keeping that same focus I’ve had all summer.”