Rui Hachimura is expected to make a comeback for the Lakers when they face the Sacramento Kings on the road on Monday. Hachimura was not placed on the Lakers' injury report for the upcoming game.
Big boost for LA Lakers
The Japanese international has been on the sidelines for six straight games due to a right calf strain. Rui Hachimura last appeared in the Lakers' 125-101 win over the Kings on December 28. He amassed 12 points in that game to help secure the victory.
Rui Hachimura's impact on LA Lakers' lineup
Hachimura has become a key member of the Lakers lineup as a catch-and-shoot shooter. His absence was felt as the Lakers lacked consistent performance from the 3-point range without Hachimura. As per StatsMuse, the Purple and Gold have shot 35.3% from downtown with Hachimura on the floor this season.
The percentage drops to 30.8% from downtown when Hachimura is not in action. Getting Rui Hachimura available is a positive sign for the Lakers fans. The Japanese international is averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game on 52.1% shooting.
Rui Hachimura expected to play with restrictions in minutes
Rui Hachimura is likely to play with minutes restrictions upon his awaited comeback. The Lakers coach, JJ Redick, spoke to the press before their game against the Kings on Sunday.
Redick disclosed that Hachimura is set to be on a play-time restriction.
"He is gonna be on a minutes restriction when he comes back," Redick said. "He'll likely come off the bench, similar to what we did with AR [Austin Reaves] when he was on his minutes restrictions."
"His minutes are gonna be determined if he is available. Whether it is tomorrow, Tuesday or available this week, we'll figure it out, but he'll likely come off the bench given that he has the minutes restriction."
Later, another reporter questioned Redick about what he felt the team missed during Hachimura's absence. The coach proclaimed the Japanese international as the roster's best catch-and-shoot shooter in his response.
"Shooting, lots of shooting. He is our best catch and shoot guy. He is one of the best guys in the league."
The Lakers (23-13) are in fifth position in the Western Conference table, while the Kings (9-30) are in 14th.