Lakers coach JJ Redick optimistic Rui Hachimura will return soon
The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the opening weeks of 2026 navigating a crowded injury report, but head coach JJ Redick finally offered a significant positive update regarding one of his key starters this weekend. After weeks of shuffling lineups to compensate for a depleted roster, Redick expressed "a lot of optimism" that forward Rui Hachimura is nearing a return, potentially as soon as Monday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
Hachimura has been sidelined since December 28 with a right calf strain, an injury that has forced him to miss the last six consecutive games. Speaking to reporters prior to Friday’s loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, Redick confirmed that Hachimura had completed a successful workout and has made substantial progress in regaining strength and mobility. Although the team listed him as questionable before ultimately ruling him out against Milwaukee, the conservative approach was designed to prevent any setbacks with an injury that can be notoriously tricky to manage.
The 27-year-old’s return cannot come soon enough for a Lakers squad that currently sits at 23-12, holding the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Before the injury, Hachimura was in the midst of a highly efficient campaign, averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting a blistering 44.5% from three-point range. His ability to space the floor has been a linchpin for Redick’s offensive system, providing crucial operating room for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The urgency of Hachimura's return is compounded by the continued absence of guard Austin Reaves, who remains shelved with a calf issue of his own until late January. Without two of their top scorers, the Lakers have relied on makeshift rotations, including starting Jake LaRavia, who has performed admirably but cannot replicate Hachimura's specific two-way impact. Los Angeles currently ranks last in the NBA in bench scoring, a deficiency that Hachimura’s return should help alleviate by pushing depth pieces back into the second unit. If Hachimura clears pre-game checks on Monday, the Lakers will look to capitalize on a favorable upcoming schedule that includes home games against the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets.
Hachimura has been sidelined since December 28 with a right calf strain, an injury that has forced him to miss the last six consecutive games. Speaking to reporters prior to Friday’s loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, Redick confirmed that Hachimura had completed a successful workout and has made substantial progress in regaining strength and mobility. Although the team listed him as questionable before ultimately ruling him out against Milwaukee, the conservative approach was designed to prevent any setbacks with an injury that can be notoriously tricky to manage.
The 27-year-old’s return cannot come soon enough for a Lakers squad that currently sits at 23-12, holding the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Before the injury, Hachimura was in the midst of a highly efficient campaign, averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting a blistering 44.5% from three-point range. His ability to space the floor has been a linchpin for Redick’s offensive system, providing crucial operating room for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The urgency of Hachimura's return is compounded by the continued absence of guard Austin Reaves, who remains shelved with a calf issue of his own until late January. Without two of their top scorers, the Lakers have relied on makeshift rotations, including starting Jake LaRavia, who has performed admirably but cannot replicate Hachimura's specific two-way impact. Los Angeles currently ranks last in the NBA in bench scoring, a deficiency that Hachimura’s return should help alleviate by pushing depth pieces back into the second unit. If Hachimura clears pre-game checks on Monday, the Lakers will look to capitalize on a favorable upcoming schedule that includes home games against the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets.
