The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Mar. 22 that Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Maxi Kleber are listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons due to injuries.
This update comes as the Lakers continue their strong performance in recent weeks. The team is currently managing several player injuries while aiming to maintain momentum in the Western Conference standings.
According to the team’s report, Hachimura is dealing with right calf soreness after playing 15 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s win over the Orlando Magic. He left that game toward the end of the third quarter and did not return. Smart has been performing well but has shown signs of discomfort from a right ankle injury. Kleber is recovering from a lumbar back strain but could potentially return to action after missing time.
With multiple players’ statuses uncertain, head coach JJ Redick may adjust his rotation for upcoming games. Luke Kennard has contributed scoring off the bench recently, and Jarred Vanderbilt could see more playing time if needed.
Hachimura commented on the team’s progress following a recent victory over Sacramento: “I think when we play good, like really good, we look like a championship team,” Hachimura said. “But we have a lot of times that we’re not, and we look like we’re just literally out of the playoffs team.
“We have to focus. It’s a long season… We’ve had a lot of injured guys in and out so we have a different rotation, different starting lineup. I think we have to focus on that part. We have to play together, play hard and that’s gonna be really good for us, staying consistent and we can look like a championship team all the time.”
