Rajon Rondo replacement: The Lakers have been dealt with a blow for the NBA bubble restart, with Rondo being ruled out for 6-8 weeks.
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Rajon Rondo will be cursing his luck after he injured his thumb due to which he will miss the league’s restart in Orlando. Rondo is one of the most experienced players in the Lakers lineup. His experience has been vital for the Lakers when superstar Lebron James sits out some minutes. The multi-time all star had won a championship with the Celtics in 2008.
Rajon Rondo and his thumb injury
The Lakers were already without Avery Bradley as the Lakers guard pulled out citing personal issues. Rondo has been working hard during the lockdown and recently revealed his ripped body.
The former Celtics star’s experience is key in guiding young backup guards like Quinn Cook and Alex Caruso. Rondo was under heavy criticism early in the season. But he has upped his gamed and been a great role player in the Lakers squad since.
The Lakers say Rajon Rondo has a fracture in his right thumb and will undergo surgery this week. Should recover in 6-8 weeks, which would be the end of August/beginning of September – in other words: end of the first round/start of the second round of the playoffs.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 13, 2020
Rondo averaged 7.1 points and five assists in 20.5 minutes per game off the bench for the Lakers this season. The Lakers’ star has been pretty unfortunate with injuries in his past couple of seasons as well.
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Can the Lakers sign a Rajon Rondo replacement?
Lakers’ cannot sign a replacement for Rondo as the cutoff date to sign free agents was July 1st. So, despite the injury to Rondo, the Lakers now cannot sign a replacement.
The playoffs begin on August 17 and if Rondo recovers well, he might suit up for the number 1 seeds in the first round of the playoffs itself. Lakers’ will count on the experience of Rondo to navigate through the playoffs in the stacked western conference.
Rondo injured his thumb in only the second training session itself since landing in Orlando. Fan favorite Caruso will finally get more minutes on the court with both Rondo and Bradley out. Reigning NBA champion Danny Green will also need to step up for the playoffs. The Lakers will hope to count on the experience of shooters JR Smith and Caldwell-Pope in the upcoming games.
The Lakers’ will hope for no more injury concerns with the league restarting on July 30.
“LeBron James deserves to win the MVP award this season’ claims former Lakers teammate
What’s next for Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers currently sit atop the western conference standings. The Lakers currently hold a 49-14 record, the best in the Western Conference. All-stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been leading the team from the front and are in the running for the MVP award and Defensive Player of the Year award respectively.
But with Rondo out, the Lakers now need their role players to step up even more.
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