Can’t Fight Fate: Rui Hachimura was Always Meant to be a Laker Rui Hachimura was supposed to be a baseball player, and now he dreams of being a professional DJ. He was destined to live in Los ...

Rui Hachimura benefited from Lakers coaches’ belief Hachimura made strides in 3-point shooting, defensive efficiency and rebounding last season. Will he be rewarded with a contract extension?

The Lakers are 16-7 since Hachimura became a starter in their Feb. 3 road win against the Knicks, and he has averaged 15.7 points on 58.4% shooting (45.3% from 3-point range) during that stretch.

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, left, missed his second consecutive game on Tuesday because of left calf soreness, while guard Gabe Vincent, right, sat out because of left knee soreness. (Photos by ...

Rui Hachimura finally returned to the Lakers on Saturday after dealing with patellar tendinopathy for nearly a month, but he didn't play well.

The Lakers are 16-7 since Hachimura became a starter in their Feb. 3 road win against the Knicks, and he has averaged 15.7 points on 58.4% shooting (45.3% from 3-point range) during that stretch.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has seen his injury status be upgraded ahead of the team's game with the Chicago Bulls.