The Los Angeles Lakers received good injury news on a veteran player.
Forward Rui Hachimura, who's been out since Dec. 28 with a calf injury, is progressing towards a return.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters Friday that there is "a lot of optimism" that Hachimura will play Monday against the Sacramento Kings.
Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists this season. He's shooting 52.1% from the field, 44.5% from three and 75% from the line. He's started in all 27 games he's appeared in.
The Lakers have dealt with key injuries all season. Austin Reaves will be out until late January with a calf strain. LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent have all missed significant time so far.
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Hachimura will be an important addition to the Lakers when he returns. He's been a reliable scorer throughout his career and is a knockdown 3-point shooter. He's in his fourth season with the Lakers after being acquired from the Wizards in 2023.
He's averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and shot 38.8% from deep in his seven NBA seasons. Hachimura played four seasons in Washington before heading to LA.
The Lakers (23-12) are fifth in the Western Conference, 6.5 games behind the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder. LA has been playing better basketball lately. They've won three of their past four games after suffering a three-game losing streak late last month.
Hachimura's status will be worth monitoring as the Lakers look to move up the standings in the West and make their playoff push.
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