The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets on Saturday night to get back on track after their return to Crypto.com Arena.
After a lackluster first quarter, the Lakers appeared to be in for a difficult night, but a second-quarter surge gave them a decisive advantage. Los Angeles maintained their composure and will now have a few days off until their next game, despite some tense moments between the two sides in the second half.
In addition to winning, Los Angeles got to witness Jarred Vanderbilt’s 2023–24 season debut, as he played 14 minutes off the bench. Additionally mentioned as eligible for the game was Rui Hachimura, however head coach Darvin Ham and the Lakers training staff opted to sit him instead
Hachimura remained on the bench because of his pregame workout not going as well as planned, according to Ham. However, they are optimistic that he will be able to play on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns.
Indeed, that is the goal and the hope, according to Ham. “We completed his pregame exercise, and he’s still a little tentative. Naturally, we place the health of our players first, and although the doctors cleared him, you still get hit on the bridge of your nose and need to wear a mask. He was again absent for a week, so his options on the court and other areas were restricted. Thus, this emerging from that surgery we felt it was best just to be proactive and be precautionary and so that’s what we’ve leaned
Ham and the medical team stuck to their plan, agreeing not to take the chance of having injured players return too soon. Even though Hachimura was well enough to play after undergoing surgery for a nasal fracture more than a week ago, Ham made the right decision by choosing not to include him.
Although supporters must have been disappointed that Hachimura was left off the starting lineup, it’s more crucial that he doesn’t experience any setbacks. As Ham mentioned that he and the staff are hoping he can play on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns, it appears that this was merely a small roadblock for the time being.
