Rajon Rondo Injury Blow Leaves Lakers Light at Guard

Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard Rajon Rondo is out for 6 – 8 weeks with a fractured thumb, according to reports.

It’s a discouraging start to life in the Orlando bubble for the Lakers, who hope Rajon Rondo will be back for the playoffs.

Rajon Rondo is a vital presence coming off the bench, and his in-game intelligence is vital for the team. When Rondo scores 10 or more points, the Lakers have a 14 – 1 record. 

He’s the second Lakers guard who will miss the season restart after Avery Bradley chose to abstain for political reasons. JR Smith was signed to replace Bradley, and will see his opportunities increase now.

Want $250 to bet on the NBA?

Sign up now!

“What we have to understand about Rajon, losing Rajon is a huge loss for our team, but we expect Rajon to be a part of our playoff run,” coach Frank Vogel said.

“We’re very confident that he’ll be able to get back and be a major factor for us in our playoff run,” he added.

This is the third injury to his right hand that Rondo has sustained since he joined the Lakers in 2018. He required two surgeries on a fractured metacarpal and a torn ligament in his ring finger during his first season. Lakers personnel are unsure how exactly he hurt his thumb this time around. His injury history might complicate his recovery, which would be a major blow.

Guard Danny Green has full faith that Rondo will return at his best to help the team in the playoffs.

Read: Cowboys, Dak Prescott Reportedly Remain At Impasse

“It’s never a good sign when some of your players get hurt,” Green said. 

“We need him to come off the bench and give us a little spark. But I know he’ll be on the sideline for us [when he returns to Orlando after rehab], coaching his a– off, teaching us and letting the young guys know … what he sees and what adjustments we need to make.”