Rui Hachimura Downplays Luka Doncic Bench Interaction, Expects Him Back Joking Around Soon

Rui Hachimura and Luka Doncic (Photo by Imagn Images)

Rui Hachimura Downplays Luka Doncic Bench Interaction, Expects Him Back Joking Around Soon

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 3:39 AM ET

Luka Doncic loves to goof around with his teammates, and Rui Hachimura is no exception.

The Los Angeles Lakers, despite having the higher seed, are the underdogs in their first-round series against the Houston Rockets. LA is now up 1-0, cruising to a win over Houston and Kevin Durant, who was out with a knee injury. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain out, maybe for the entire series.

But Luka sure made his presence felt. During the game, he slapped the back of Hachimura’s head. When asked about it, Rui couldn’t even remember the incident.

“I don’t remember. He [Luka Doncic] always do this. I probably don’t think about it. I’m used to. Yeah. I don’t remember that,” Hachimura said to reporters.

Rui Hachimura doesn’t remember Luka messing with him from the bench during Game 1, but he’s have to see him back with the team joking around. pic.twitter.com/mnw0dz6cIg
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) April 20, 2026

“I think people don’t know how much impact Luka has, not only on the court but off the court. He’s a guy who is always around. He always want to be around with us…we miss him, for sure,” he added.

LA’s confidence is off the charts right now. JJ Redick must be pleased that his players, particularly Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Deandre Ayton, all stepped up for the team. And there’s LeBron James, who keeps on grinding at 41.

Will Luka Doncic Play In LA’s First Round Series?

Doncic continues his rehab regarding his hamstring issues. He even went to Spain in the hopes that the recovery time would be shortened. So, when will he realistically suit up again? And most importantly, is it possible that he can play in the first round against the Houston Rockets? According to a report from a week ago, Luka’s injury will be reevaluated later this week.

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

That’s great news for the Lakers. They will surely need Luka Doncic’s services, especially with Austin Reaves out until at least the first week of May.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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