Lakers forward Rui Hachimura remained sidelined Monday despite being available, as the club managed his workload during a back-to-back set.
Coach J.J. Redick opted to hold Hachimura out after learning the forward would only be able to play in one of the two games. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick chose to save him for Tuesday’s matchup against Atlanta.
Los Angeles fell to Kings without Hachimura, allowing 17 three-pointers on 26 attempts. Luka Doncic scored 42 points but was limited by left groin soreness and required treatment throughout the night.
“I was really uncertain,” Doncic told reporters after the game. “Before the game, warming up, I felt something. So we were just trying to get warm and get going.”
Hachimura is expected to return Tuesday, but Doncic and LeBron James are both listed as questionable. James continues to manage left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Los Angeles could also be without Jaxson Hayes and Austin Reaves, both dealing with injuries.
“Obviously we’re dealing with a lot of injuries right now,” James said. “Not only guys that are not in uniform, but even guys that are in uniform. We’re just trying to weather the storm.”
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