Lakers Fans Applaud Hachimura Despite Loss to T-Wolves With LeBron Out, AD Injured

Andrew PetersApril 8, 2024

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 127-117 Sunday night with the Lakers lacking their stars.

LeBron James missed Sunday’s matchup with flu-like symptoms, and things got worse for Los Angeles during the game. Anthony Davis exited the game after the first half due to an eye injury he originally suffered against the Golden State Warriors in March, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Davis played 12 minutes and had four points before being sidelined for the remainder of the game.

The Lakers managed to stay competitive without James and Davis, with Rui Hachimura stepping up big to keep Los Angeles in the game. Hachimura finished the night with 30 points, though that ultimately wasn’t enough for the win.

After the game, fans praised Hachimura for stepping up in James and Davis’ absence.

Lakers Lead @LakersLeadRUI HACHIMURA TONIGHT
⚔️ 36 minutes
⚔️ 30 points
⚔️ 6 rebounds
⚔️ 11/17 FG
⚔️ 4/5 3PT

RUI DID EVERYTHING HE COULD WITHOUT AD pic.twitter.com/Kw3M2Cj0On

Lakers Nation @LakersNationGood aggressive move from Rui to get to the cup

Lakers Nation @LakersNationHuge 3 from Rui there

Hoop Central @TheHoopCentralRui Hachimura tonight:

30 Points
6 Rebounds
64% FG
4/5 3PM pic.twitter.com/y77Q1rGDb3

LakeShowMuse @lalakersmuseRui Hachimura tonight:

30 PTS
6 REB
11-17 FG
4-5 3P

Not enough for the Lakers without LeBron and AD tonight. pic.twitter.com/U745OhnUyX

Dave McMenamin @mctenThe Lakers lose to the Wolves, 127-117, to fall to 45-33 with three games remaining. Nice nights for Rui (30p on 11-of-17 6r), Hayes (19p on 8-for-9 10r 5s) and Dinwiddie (18p 7a) but not enough with no LeBron and an injured AD against a strong MIN team.

On The Prowl @ontheprowl_MNHachimura has become a really nice player. I like his game.

Mike Trudell @LakersReporterLAL ultimately couldn’t overcome AD’s absence after the 1st Q.

Hachimura led the way on O, hitting 11 of 17 FG’s (4 of 5 3’s) for 30 points.

Hayes has a season-high 18 points w/a career-high 5 steals.

Russell and Reaves struggled on O, combining to shoot 9 for 33.

With the loss, the Lakers’ four-game win streak came to an end. The win streak had them half a game behind the No. 6 seed, but now they remain in the No. 9 spot at 45-34 on the season. Things don’t get much easier for Los Angeles, as on Tuesday it will take on Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, who are looking for a late-season push to improve their playoff seeding.

Luckily for Lakers fans, it seems Davis could be back on the court for that matchup, McMenamin reported. If he can’t make his return, Los Angeles will be looking for another big game from Hachimura.