The Los Angeles Lakers are nonetheless reeling after the Chicago Bulls got here into Crypto.com Area and handed them a 31-point beatdown. The loss got here within the first recreation again for each LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, who had missed prolonged time with accidents.
James regarded a little bit rusty however nonetheless completed with 17 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists in 31 minutes. Hachimura had a more durable night time, posting simply 5 factors and two rebounds in 18 minutes.
Regardless of the Lakers’ general struggles, Luka Dončić put up a powerful efficiency with 34 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists. Austin Reaves added 25 factors and 5 assists of his personal.
One evident challenge for the Lakers was the play from their forwards. Dorian Finney-Smith had a tough outing, ending with simply two factors and two rebounds in 21 minutes. Followers voiced frustration with the workforce’s effort however have been particularly puzzled by one lineup determination.
Followers React to Rui Hachimura’s Play With Lingering Damage
Hachimura wasn’t the primary purpose for the Lakers’ loss, nevertheless it was clear his lingering knee harm affected his efficiency. Often called a competitor, Hachimura seemingly pushed to be again on the courtroom — however the harm clearly restricted him.
After the sport, Hachimura mentioned in his press convention that his knee would proceed to be a problem for some time. That remark raised eyebrows amongst followers who couldn’t perceive why the Lakers would play him if he wasn’t near 100%.
“My knee goes to be like that for some time.”
Rui Hachimura.
Lakers ought to proceed to relaxation him. Why play him if he’s harm? lol what
pic.twitter.com/QfIsD7JPNUAdvertisement. Scroll to continue reading.—
NBA•Fan
(@Klutch_23) March 23, 2025
“Lakers ought to proceed to relaxation him. Why play him if he’s harm? lol what,” mentioned one fan.
Commerce him for Wiggins
— Ky (@504Kyy) March 23, 2025
“Commerce him for Wiggins,” mentioned one other
Tf why is he taking part in?
sit him until the playoffs is perhaps extra a threat as a result of being rusty however a wholesome rui is necessary to this workforce
— BIGXKENN (@KennMink23) March 23, 2025
“Tf why is he taking part in? … sit him until the playoffs is perhaps extra a threat as a result of being rusty however a wholesome rui is necessary to this workforce,” mentioned a fan.
Letting Hachimura play by way of a knee harm is a dangerous name. There’s all the time the prospect he may worsen it, which might be a serious setback for the Lakers as they method the playoffs.
The Lakers’ Powerful Upcoming Schedule
Each recreation issues within the playoff race, and the Lakers at present sit within the No. 4 seed within the Western Convention. The hole between the No. 3 and No. 8 seeds is simply 3.5 video games, with about 11 video games left within the season.
The street forward doesn’t get any simpler. The Lakers head out to face the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, the Bulls once more, and the Memphis Grizzlies. After that, they return residence to tackle the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.
Can the Lakers deal with the street journey? In the event that they drop most of these subsequent six video games, they might discover themselves slipping into play-in territory. The margin for error is shrinking — can they string collectively sufficient wins to remain afloat? Time will inform.