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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he expects forward Rui Hachimura to return to the starting lineup after he comes back from a left ankle sprain despite rookie Dalton Knecht’s ongoing hot streak.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin relayed the remarks from Redick, who let reporters know prior to his team’s home game against the Orlando Magic after he was asked if keeping Knecht in the starting lineup was under consideration.
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Redick says he expects Hachimura to return to the starting lineup in Dalton Knecht’s place when he is healthy. He says it will be on the coaching staff to find more minutes for Knecht though. https://t.co/b1PrmecICE
Rookie Dalton Knecht has caught fire in Hachimura’s place, averaging 26.0 PPG on 63.6 percent shooting in his three starts, including a 37-point outburst against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.
The ex-Tennessee star made nine three-pointers against the Jazz, including all six of his attempts from beyond the arc in the third quarter en route to 21 points in that frame.
Naturally, one might wonder whether Knecht could keep his starting gig after Hachimura’s return given how well he’s been doing and how well the team has been performing.
But the Lakers were faring well prior to Hachimura being sidelined, going 7-4. They were riding a three-game winning streak, and Hachimura just had his most efficient game of the season with 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting in a 128-123 win against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Although Redick told reporters that there hasn’t been a “definitive decision” on the lineup once Hachimura returns, his stated lean to return the veteran to the starting five would make sense. The starting lineup is already loaded with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and it ultimately strengthens the second unit and keeps the Lakers deep.
Of more importance is Knecht’s role, which Redick says doesn’t change regardless of whether he’s a starter or reserve (h/t Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation).
“He’s been awesome for us and I think for the group, whatever role, as a starter, and I know I talked about that not being a ‘role’ but whatever designation Dalton has, whether he’s coming off the bench or as a starter, I don’t think his role changes at all. I think for him mentally, there’s no affect to that. He’s just gonna be the same guy.”
Hachimura was questionable leading to the Magic game, so one can surmise he’s potentially close to a return. At that point, we’ll see how the Laker starting lineup and rotation shakes out, especially with Redick’s desire to give Knecht more minutes.
L.A.’s next game will be at home against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday evening, followed by an NBA Cup road game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
