Lakers News: Luke Walton Hopes LeBron James, Rajon Rondo Practice Sunday But Would Remain Unlikely To Play Vs. Warriors
Darrell Ann-LakersNation.com

Just as the Los Angeles Lakers were playing their way toward a signature win this season, a worst-case scenario became a reality when LeBron James suffered an injury. He was unable to return against the Golden State Warriors, but Rajon Rondo helped the Lakers finish their rout.

James was diagnosed with a strained groin, and though there was early optimism he avoided serious injury, general wisdom held he would miss at least a handful of games. Already facing a future without James, the Lakers then lost Rondo to a Grade 3 sprained right ring finger.

Still suffering from pain that prevented him from completing regular basketball actions, Rondo opted for surgery to repair a damaged ligament in the sprained finger. He was projected to miss four to five weeks from the Dec. 28 operation.

He and James have missed the past 13 games (including Sunday against the Houston Rockets), but were both cleared in recent days to return to practice.

According to Bill Oram of The Athletic, Lakers head coach Luke Walton hopes James and Rondo will practice Sunday but that wouldn’t necessarily mean either returns Martin Luther King Jr. Day against the Warriors:

Of the two, Rondo figures to be the first to return. He was cleared to begin dribbling with his right hand and being permitted to participate in a full-contact practice is indicative Rondo has not encountered any sort of setback.

Meanwhile, James’ recovery just recently reached three weeks. A return by this point would have been considered the best-case scenario.

If neither play Monday, the Lakers’ next game after that point is Thursday when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off any Lakers home game ticket order for the remainder of the season.

You May Also Like

Forward and Back: Lakers Reflect on First Two Games, Look Ahead to Denver

The first two playoff games of the 2012 season are in the…

Lakers News: Jared Dudley Explains Decision To Forego Surgery On MCL Tear

The middle of the 2020-21 season has been rough for the Los Angeles Lakers as they have had to deal with multiple injuries…

Lakers News: Larry Nance Jr. ‘Still A Little Bit Purple And Gold’

Larry Nance Jr. longed to participate in in the Slam Dunk Contest, and this year a dream of his came true. Adding…

Kings to Remain in Sacramento; Abandon Relocation For Now

According to Kurt Helin of NBC Pro Basketball Talk the Sacramento Kings…