The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, with memories of last season’s disappointment still fresh. The Nuggets dashed the Lakers’ championship hopes the previous year, securing a 4-1 victory in the first round of the playoffs. This game offers Rui Hachimura’s team a chance to showcase their improvement under new head coach JJ Redick.
Ahead of the game, Lakers forward Hachimura acknowledged the challenge of facing the Nuggets. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about the team’s progress.
“These past two years we’ve been struggling playing against them, so tonight we have to show what we’ve been working on. I think our chemistry is way better than before, so tonight’s going to be a good test for us,” Hachimura said.
The Lakers have had a solid start to the season. They sit comfortably in 4th place in the Western Conference with a 10-5 record. In contrast, the Nuggets have faced some struggles this season. Despite their dominance last year, Denver now finds itself in 6th place with an 8-6 record.
Will Rui Hachimura Start Against The Nuggets?
After missing the Los Angeles Lakers’ last four games due to a left ankle sprain, Rui Hachimura is set to return on Saturday. During Hachimura’s absence, rookie Dalton Knecht stepped into the starting role. However, head coach JJ Redick has confirmed that Hachimura will reclaim his starting spot.
“Sure, there’s consideration. But there’s also consideration about what that does to the group. We’ve certainly had conversations about what it might look like when Rui is back in the lineup,” Redick said.
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Hachimura’s presence will be a welcome addition for the Lakers. The forward, who took shot at their former coach, has been a steady contributor this season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
