Rajon Rondo could be ready for the NBA playoffs, and all signs are pointing in the right direction.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Rondo will travel to Orlando on Wednesday to begin rehab on his right thumb closer to the NBA’s Walt Disney World bubble.
Rondo fractured his right thumb about three weeks ago. He discovered the injury on July 12 during training camp. The 34-year-old then left the team and underwent surgery on July 16, and the Lakers projected that it would take Rondo six to eight weeks to heal.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is hoping to get Rondo back in time for the first or second round of the playoffs, though an updated timeline was not given, according to McMenamin.
Once he enters the bubble, Rondo will have to quarantine for four days as long as he tests negative for the coronavirus for at least seven consecutive days before entry.
Rondo’s return will be crucial for the Lakers, who have gone 2-1 since the season resumed in Orlando. With Rondo injured and Avery Bradley opting out of the season due to family health risks, the Lakers have been relying on a combination of Alex Caruso, Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith to handle the workload.
Despite their struggles against the Toronto Raptors last week, the Lakers clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference on Monday with a 116-108 win over the Utah Jazz.
If and when Rondo returns, the Lakers will be in a much better position in the Western Conference. Their recent wins over the Clippers and Jazz came by a slim margin, and getting Rondo back will help the team facilitate play a little better.
