On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the New York Knicks (at home).
Right before the game, the news came down that LeBron James has been ruled out for the second straight contest.
The 41-year-old is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 50.4% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range in 44 games.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “LeBron James (left elbow contusion, left foot arthritis) is out against the Knicks, the Lakers say.”
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Starting Lineup Against Knicks
For Sunday’s game, the Lakers have announced their starting lineup (without James).
Underdog NBA wrote: “Lineup alert: Lakers will start Doncic, Smart, Reaves, Hachimura, Ayton on Sunday.”
Hachimura (who is filling in for James) is averaging 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 50.2% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range in 51 games.
Hachimura’s NBA Career
Hachimura was the ninth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga.
He spent the first three and a half seasons of his career with the Washington Wizards.
The 28-year-old has averages of 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 49.7% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range in 388 career games.
Real App wrote (on January 26): “Rui Hachimura passes Magic & Kareem for the 2nd most games in Lakers history with: 20+ PTS 95%+ TS”
Lakers Right Now
The Lakers come into play as the sixth seed with a 38-25 record in 63 games.
They are 19-12 in 31 games at home.
After New York, the Lakers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
New York Knicks This Season
The Knicks are coming off a season where they made the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.
They are the third seed with a 41-23 record in 64 games.
Underdog NBA shared their starting lineup: “Lineup alert: Knicks will start Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby, Towns on Sunday.”
Lakers Announce Starting Lineup Against Knicks Without LeBron James