Lakers Face Mounting Pressure as Losing Streak Hits Three, Hachimura Remains Out
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 28, 2026 – The Los Angeles Lakers are in danger of falling into the play-in tournament as they conclude a two-day road trip against the Golden State Warriors today, followed by a Sunday matchup against Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers have lost three straight games, dropping to sixth place in the Western Conference, with the Minnesota Timberwolves two games ahead. Adding to the Lakers’ woes, forward Rui Hachimura has been ruled out for a second consecutive game due to an illness. Head coach JJ Redick will likely lean on Jake LaRavia to fill the void. While the immediate schedule offers winnable games against struggling teams, a challenging March awaits with matchups against Denver (twice), New York, Minnesota, Houston (twice), Detroit, and Cleveland. The Lakers need to turn things around quickly, with only 23 games remaining before the playoffs begin on April 18.
Lakers Battle Warriors as Playoff Hopes Dim
The Los Angeles Lakers will conclude a two-day road trip on Saturday, taking on the division rival Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center before returning to Crypto.com Arena for a Sunday matchup against Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings.
Hachimura Sidelined, LaRavia Expected to Step Up
Unfortunately, the Lakers will be shorthanded in San Francisco, as veteran forward Rui Hachimura has been ruled out for a second consecutive game due to an illness.
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (illness) has officially been ruled OUT for today’s game against the Warriors.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 28, 2026
With Hachimura unavailable, Lakers head coach JJ Redick and his staff will likely lean on Jake LaRavia to provide a spark off the bench, potentially seeing increased playing time.
Lakers in Danger of Falling to Play-In Tournament
The Lakers are currently on a three-game losing streak, having suffered recent defeats against the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns, with the last two games decided by missed last-second shots from LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
As a result of this skid, the Lakers have dropped to sixth place in the Western Conference, with the Minnesota Timberwolves now two games ahead in the standings.
The Phoenix Suns are likewise closing in, sitting just one game behind the 17-time NBA champions, creating a concerning situation as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Favorable Schedule Ahead, But Tough Tests Loom
The Lakers have a relatively favorable schedule in the immediate future, facing a struggling Warriors team, the last-place Sacramento Kings, and the Modern Orleans Pelicans.
Though, the road will become more challenging in March, with matchups against the Denver Nuggets (twice), New York Knicks, Timberwolves, Houston Rockets (twice), Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
There will be little room for error as the Lakers strive to maintain their playoff position over the next month and a half.
FAQ
Q: Is Rui Hachimura expected to play against the Kings?
A: No, Hachimura is currently ruled out with an illness and his return is uncertain.
Q: What is the Lakers’ current record?
A: The Lakers are 34-24 as of February 28, 2026.
Q: Who is expected to benefit from Hachimura’s absence?
A: Jake LaRavia is likely to see increased playing time and an opportunity to contribute off the bench.
Q: When do the NBA playoffs begin?
A: The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.
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