Rui Hachimura could not play for the LA Lakers in the last few games due to a nasal fracture. After undergoing surgery, the Japanese star was on his way to a speedy recovery. However, it is not just Rui, the Los Angeles franchise did not have the start they were hoping for this season. However, they maintained an unbeaten streak in the inaugural in-season tournament. The Lakers made it to the knockout stages of the new NBA Cup. They will face the Phoneix Suns at home for the Quarter-finals tomorrow. When they face off against the Suns in the quarter-finals, they would like to see one of the key players return to the lineup. That would be Rui Hachimura.
The Lakers re-signed him in the last free agency for a three-year deal worth $51 million. Clearly, the Japanese was able to impress the front office and the Lakers Nation last season. However, the team had a lot of faith in the two players – Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura- since the offseason, but they were not at their best. Albeit, AR performed well against the Houston Rockets. Now, the Lakers Nation would like to see Rui Hachimura get back to form and help the team win more games.
Rui Hachimura Is Ready To Face The Suns On His Return
After the team practice, Hachimura told reporters that he was not in good shape before the game against the Houston Rockets. It was right after the nasal surgery and he was not able to do much. Hence, the team along with him came to a decision that he should try and get ready for the game against the Suns tomorrow. Adding to that, Rui Hachimura said he thinks now he is in good shape. The Lakers forward also mentioned that he will wear a custom-made mask to protect his nose in the game tomorrow.
If the Lakers win against the Suns, they will move to Las Vegas for the semi-finals of the NBA Cup. Moreover, Rui Hachimura revealed his excitement for the new tournament. He said he likes the tournament feeling and is looking forward to win against the Suns tomorrow. The LA side will host the Suns and Rui’s Japan teammate Yuta Watanabe. Anyway, it will be an interesting contest between the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis against Kevin Durant’s side.
The LA Side Is Trying To Overcome The Challenges Of Injuries To Key Players
Moreover, several key players of the LA side sustained injuries since the very start of the season. Jarred Vanderbilt could not play for a long time as he suffered a heel bursitis injury in the preseason. Later, it took 20 regular season games for Vando to get match-ready. Along with Vando, Cam Reddish missed several games due to an injury.
But both Vanderbilt and Reddish returned to the lineup against the Houston Rockets. They helped the team to beat the Rockets comfortably. But still, the Lakers Nation awaits three key players to return. These key players are Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Rui Hachimura. Moreover, the Lakers have been pretty inconsistent so far in the season. They are currently 12-9.
