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Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Rui Hachimura Will Come Off the Bench In His Return... Will That Be Permanent?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Locked On Podcast Network

Lakers Highlights, Nba, Los Angeles, Lakers Podcast, Lakers Game, Sports Podcast, Lakers News, Lakers Nba, La Lakers Podcast, La Nba, Daily Podcast, Sports, Lakers, Nba Podcast, Los Angeles Lakers Podcast, Basketball Podcast, La Basketball, Lakers Basketball, Los Angeles Basketball, Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers Today, Podcast, Los Angeles Nba, La Lakers

4.6 • 1.6K Ratings

🗓️ 12 January 2026

⏱️ 36 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The Lakers get a big lift Monday night. Rui Hachimura is off the injury report entirely and, barring some sort of late setback, will be back in the lineup Monday night in Sacramento. No surprise, given the time he was out, but JJ Redick said Sunday he'd be on a minutes restriction, and come off the bench. The big question for Lakers fans is whether this is just temporary, or if the minutes restriction is the entry point Redick will use to do the thing he should have been doing, anyway: Bring Hachimura off the bench. We've been calling for it in this space since the summer. The numbers, small sample size notwithstanding, indicate that the Lakers would be better off with Hachimura as a reserve. Redick, though, has resisted. But if the Lakers can find some rhythm over the next few games and Rui performs well, maybe things just stay as they are? With Jake LaRavia in the starting lineup, with Marcus Smart. Then when Austin Reaves comes back, another adjustment is made. The Lakers really need Rui back, not just as a floor spacer and an offensive weapon -- both of which are very important for this group -- but also to slot guys like Jarred Vanderbilt into a workload that makes more sense and helps maximize positive impact while minimizing the negative. Finally, former Laker Denis Schroder won't be playing Monday. Why? Because he was suspended by the league for three games for trying to fight Luka Dončić following the last time the two teams met, responding to smack talk Luka delivered, specifically about how Schroder dropped the enormous bag the Lakers tried real hard to get him to take. Crazy! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Rui is back! SEGMENT 2: Rui will come off the bench Monday... will he stay there? SEGMENT 3: The delightful story of Denis and Luka. Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long. ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday. WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

The Lakers are expected to get Rui Hachimura back in the lineup on Monday,

0:03.7

but he will not be starting.

0:05.3

Is that a permanent trend that's next?

0:11.0

You are Locked-on Lakers.

0:15.3

Your daily Los Angeles Lakers podcast, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network,

0:20.5

your team every day.

0:23.8

Thanks to everybody for making Locked-on Lakers.

0:25.8

First listen to every day, Monday through Friday, sometimes on weekends, even on holidays,

0:29.7

no matter how or where you get your podcasts, whether it's Spotify, Apple, whether you're one

0:34.4

of the 37,000-plus subscribers, to the Locked on Lakers YouTube channel,

0:39.2

you are part of making the Locked on Podcast Network,

0:41.4

the number one podcast network in this or any other known universe.

0:45.0

I'm Brian Kemeniski with Andy Kemincki.

0:46.9

We've spent, oh, a good portion of the last 20 years covering the Lakers for ESPN,

0:51.9

for the Athletic and more.

0:53.8

And Andy, the Lakers are playing the down and out Sacramento Kings.

0:58.5

Excuse me, the just beat the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings.

1:03.9

Find a team that's been hotter than Sacramento since Sunday.

1:08.0

I'm just saying they just beat the Houston Rockets. I believe they've beaten

1:12.7

them twice this season, maybe even thrice, for whatever reason. They are the Houston Rockets

1:19.5

kryptonite. It's funny you mention that because I always, I mean, I think this is true. It is

1:25.2

hard to beat a team three times, certainly in a relatively short span.

...

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