The Lakers are smoothly sailing through this season from the beginning itself. Blazers did make the purple-gold army significantly uncomfortable. But Lakers have passed them too with a 4-1 victory in the first-round series.
Lakers defeated the Blazers to head towards the next round of Playoffs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis exhibited pure class in their performances leading to big wins. Blazers gave a tough fight until Damian Lillard got injured and had to leave the series at a crucial time.
With injuries lined up for most teams in the bubble, the Lakers are fit and healthy as a roster. However, only one player’s injury updates were circling round the corner, veteran point guard, Rajon Rondo.
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Rondo underwent surgery for his fractured right thumb due to which he arrived late in Orlando. When he was expected to make his bubble debut against Blazers, Rondo suffered back spasms that restricted him to the bench.
Rajon Rondo will be back for Lakers, Vogel is hopeful
It’s good news for the Lakers yet again. Their sole injured man is expected to be back in second-round Playoff series Game 1. Team coach, Frank Vogel has given a thumbs up to Rondo’s return.
Vogel is positive and said, “(Rondo) looked good … we’re hopeful to have him in this series.”
Vogel said Rajon Rondo practiced today, and “looked good … we’re hopeful to have him in this series.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) August 31, 2020
Furthermore, in a strong offensive lineup, the question is, where is Vogel looking to fit in Rondo? Either he’ll be given his substitute, J.R. Smith’s game minutes, or probably a greater role. To fit in the bench strength led by Alex Caruso and Kyle Kuzma, Rondo’s position is yet to be decided.
As of now, the Lakers will be playing their Western Conference semifinals against Houston Rockets or Oklahoma City Thunder. Chris Paul has even the series last night and forced a Game 7 decider in the next match.
If the Lakers continue in the same high-energy fashion, they could be out there in the NBA Finals. But for now, let’s see how Rajon Rondo makes a difference to the side after his comeback.
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