The Los Angeles Lakers continue their five-game road trip Saturday night when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on the second night of a back-to-back. Los Angeles is coming off a win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, while Milwaukee also played an overtime game the same night, edging the Charlotte Hornets. Both teams will enter the matchup battling fatigue as well as injuries.
Despite the demanding schedule, several Lakers turned in strong performances against New Orleans. Deandre Ayton delivered one of his best outings since joining Los Angeles, finishing with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Austin Reaves led all Lakers scorers with 31 points and added seven assists, while Luka Doncic posted 24 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in another all-around effort.
Rui Hachimura logged 35 minutes in the victory, scoring 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting. However, the forward will be unavailable Saturday due to left calf soreness, according to Lakers reporter Dan Woike. It will mark Hachimura’s first missed game of the season after starting the first 13 contests. The 27-year-old has been one of the few consistent pieces in a lineup hit hard by injuries, averaging a career-high 15.8 points but only 3.8 rebounds, matching a career low.
The Lakers will also remain without Gabe Vincent and LeBron James. Marcus Smart, who started Sunday and played 34 minutes, is listed as questionable with a viral illness.
With Hachimura sidelined, head coach JJ Redick is expected to turn to Jake LaRavia for increased minutes and frontcourt depth.
After wrapping up the back-to-back, the Lakers will return to Los Angeles, where they host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
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