The Los Angeles Lakers will look to snap their two-game losing streak when they face the Orlando Magic on Monday night, marking the start of a four-game road trip. The Lakers have struggled over the past few weeks, managing just three wins in their last eight games, with injuries playing a significant role in their inconsistent performances.
Expectations were high for LeBron James and Rui Hachimura to help turn things around after returning from injuries on Saturday night. However, despite having one of their healthiest rosters in weeks, the Lakers suffered a crushing 146-115 defeat to the Chicago Bulls, dropping to 43-27 on the season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) with forward LeBron James (23)
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Hachimura, who had been sidelined since Feb. 27 with a knee injury, admitted after the game that he is still not at 100% and may require additional rest before fully recovering (via NBA reporter Mark Medina). Now, ahead of the matchup against Orlando, the Lakers have listed him as questionable with left patellar tendinopathy on their latest injury report.
It remains uncertain whether the 27-year-old forward will play on Monday, but the Lakers are expected to manage his workload carefully to ensure his health heading into the playoffs.
So far this season, Hachimura is averaging 13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while shooting 50.4% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc.
Since being acquired from the Washington Wizards midway through the 2022-23 season, Hachimura has become a key part of the Lakers’ rotation.
With 12 games left in the regular season, the Lakers sit fourth in the Western Conference, trailing the second-seed Houston Rockets (46-26) by two games. LA will aim for a strong finish as they continue their push for an 18th NBA championship.
