The Los Angeles Lakers never took Rui Hachimura off the bench, despite him being healthy, and head coach JJ Redick’s decision immediately backfired in the 124-112 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Sacramento dominated the action behind a gigantic 3-point disparity. The Lakers couldn’t buy a long-range attempt as their best shooter never played.
Coach Redick announced Hachimura would come off the bench when he returns from a now seven-game absence. Fans have been clamoring for that move as it improves LA’s balance. The bench was again a disaster on Monday night, and the Kings virtually ran the Lakers off the floor.