Lakers' Rajon Rondo suffered fractured right thumb; out 6-to-8 weeks

Share

While the Kings are starting to get players back, one of their opponents has lost a key role player.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo suffered a fractured right thumb during practice in Orlando on Sunday, the team told reporters.

Rondo will undergo surgery to repair the fracture and is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks.

While Rondo doesn't start for the Lakers, he's a vital member of their second unit. The veteran point guard is averaging 20.5 minutes per game this season, the second-most of any Lakers reserve behind forward Kyle Kuzma.

With Rondo out and Avery Bradley electing not to play in the NBA season restart, the Lakers will go into the eight seeding games and first few weeks of the playoffs without two important complimentary players. Based on the timeline, Rondo should be able to return to action sometime during the playoffs, assuming the Lakers continue to advance.

But before the Lakers can start their push for an NBA title, they have to face the Kings in their final seeding game on Aug. 13.

[RELATED: Kings hold full-contact practice]

For the Kings, that game could hold huge significance. The Lakers are secure in their spot in the playoffs, but the Kings might really need to win that final game in order to force a potential play-in game(s) for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

In two games against the Kings this season, Rondo averaged 6.5 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 22.5 minutes.

Of course, Rondo's injury doesn't push the matchup in favor of the Kings, but coach Luke Walton and his squad will take every advantage they can get.

Contact Us