The Los Angeles Lakers never took Rui Hachimura off the bench, despite him being healthy, and head coach JJ Redick’s decision immediately backfired in the 124-112 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Sacramento dominated the action behind a gigantic 3-point disparity. The Lakers couldn’t buy a long-range attempt as their best shooter never played.
Coach Redick announced Hachimura would come off the bench when he returns from a now seven-game absence. Fans have been clamoring for that move as it improves LA’s balance. The bench was again a disaster on Monday night, and the Kings virtually ran the Lakers off the floor.
They needed someone to knock down open looks and defend DeMar DeRozan or Russell Westbrook in Sacramento. The Kings are loaded with scorers, so defense was paramount. Sadly, their biggest problem was a disaster again. Sacramento deserved to win, especially after the Lakers’ coach chose to rest Hachimura.
JJ Redick’s refusal to use a healthy Rui Hachimura immediately backfired on the Lakers
Los Angeles was on the first night of a back-to-back, but the Lakers needed Hachimura against the Kings. Luka Doncic went off, but LeBron James was his only support in Sacramento. It was a disastrous night for LA, which has now lost seven of their last 11 contests.
Hachimura is shooting 44.5 percent over 27 contests this season. He has become an elite shooter while wearing the purple and gold. On a night where the Lakers could only make eight of 36 attempts from long range, the Kings hit 17 triples. Doncic and Gabe Vincent combined for five triples, but nobody else could connect. Bronny James did hit two in garbage time. Ultimately, their shooting was LA's undoing in the California capital.
Hachimura should see his first action since Dec. 28 on Tuesday night against the Hawks. The Lakers have zero reason to announce he is healthy if they weren’t going to use him. It was shocking that Rui didn’t get in the game on Monday night. He was supposed to be back, but never returned.
Los Angeles’ bench was a nightmare against the Kings. Only two reserves scored more than three points before the game was already in hand, and Jaxson Hayes' 12 points was largely thanks to Luka and LeBron getting him easy buckets at the rim. Dalton Knecht is supposed to be a scorer, but he only netted five as the Lakers' draft regret grows.
They have been one of the worst bench-scoring teams this season, but Redick deserves some blame. He has been using all of his offensive weapons in the starting five and often playing lineups that lack balance.
The loss to the Kings underscored how much the Lakers need Rui Hachimura. They must have more talent and depth to seriously compete. They need a strong shooter capable of defending multiple positions. Not many of those players are available on the trade market. It makes Hachimura even more important.
Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick needs Rui Hachimura to space the floor for Luka and LeBron. They went 3-4 while he was out. Hachimura will be a free agent in the summer of 2026, and the Lakers must bring him back. He is clearly a crucial piece and upgrading on the wing is always costly. LA's best bet may be keeping Hachimura and maximizing his skill set.
It was the first of a back-to-back, but this regrettable loss may come back to haunt the Lakers in the postseason. All fans can do is stay tuned to see how it all plays out, but losing to one of the worst teams is always supremely disappointing.