Sunday evening Laker Guard Rajon Rondo suffered a broken right thumb. Rondo is set to have surgery sometime later this week but is expected to be back to return to basketball activities in six to eight weeks.
Rondo has had a history of hand injuries in the past missing time for the Lakeshow back during the 2018-19 season. Rondo underwent separate surgeries to repair a fractured third metacarpal in his right hand and a torn ligament in his right ring finger.
The absence of Rajon Rondo will have an interesting impact on the Lakers. Rondo’s absence means new additions and other reserves will inevitably get more minutes. Rondo is averaging 7 points per game and 5 assists while playing an average of 20 mins per game this season for the Lakers.
The Lakers will now be looking more to the reserves of Alex Caruso, Quinn Cook, J.R Smith, and Dion Waiters to bring production to the Laker second unit. All Laker guards are capable of producing on the offensive end but in a different way from what Rondo brings as a playmaker and leader. Offensively the Lakers reserves are still capable of keeping this team at the top of the western conference heading into the playoffs. With new additions such as Dion Waiters and J.R Smith who do not have much experience playing with the current roster, it might benefit them to have more time to get comfortable in the Lakers offense.
The Lakers who are already in Orlando without their best on-ball perimeter defender in Avery Bradley now will not have Rajon Rondo for six to eight weeks. The Lakers may struggle defensively without Rajon Rondo not only will they be missing another solid on-ball defender but he is also a veteran who they signed to be around come playoff time to help the team down the stretch. Based on the timeline, Rondo should be able to return to action sometime during the playoffs, assuming the Lakers continue to advance.
Photo Credit: (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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