L.A. could've used forward Rui Hachimura, who missed his fourth straight game with an ankle sprain and has greatly improved his rebounding this season while shooting a very high percentage from 3-point range.

Redick expects Hachimura will return to the starting unit when healthy, but the coaches will try to incorporate longer stretches on the court for rookie wing Dalton Knecht off the bench.

Lakers starting forward Rui Hachimura has missed the team's last three games with a sprained ankle. There was perhaps some faint hope that he would be able to return for Thursday's game, but he will be out once again. In 10 games, Hachimura is averaging 12.7 points in 33.9 minutes a game while shooting 50% from 3-point range on 3.6 attempts a game.

The starting forward and backup center, both nursing sprained ankles, miss their third and fourth straight games, respectively, and rookie Dalton Knecht makes his third consecutive start.

Rui Hachimura is out as the Los Angeles Lakers return home and take on the Utah Jazz during Emirates NBA Cup group play.

How likely is it that Lakers starting forward Rui Hachimura returns to action on Tuesday against the Jazz after missing their last two games?

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura entered the 2024-25 season as something of an enigma. He's removed all doubt about his importance to the team.