Lakers Announce Rajon Rondo’s Status for Game 4

The Los Angeles Lakers provided an update on Rajon Rondo’s status for the upcoming Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers are playing against playoff Portland but they do really well in the series.

Rondo won’t join his teammates for the game. The veteran guard deals with his back spasms and this issue is in no way related to his thumb fracture. Rondo fractured his thumb on July 12 and was set to miss 6-8 weeks. Well, the Lakers activated him for Game 3 but he is out now.

Having Rondo on the court will give the Lakers the motivation they need to win more games in the series.

“I’m excited about it. I really am,” Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said of Rondo’s return in the bubble. “He’s a big part of our team’s identity. Our intelligence, our DNA. He’s a big part of all of that. To have him back is going to enhance our whole energy and juice as a group.”

Frank Vogel says Rajon Rondo is out tonight, as expected.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) August 24, 2020

The veteran guard has averaged 20.5 minutes per game with the Lakers this season. That’s the lowest of his basketball career. But, Rondo contributes with his 7.1 points, five assists and three rebounds per game. His veteran presence is of great help and he has also had some championship experience.

Lakers players could use Rajon Rondo’s skills in Game 4

LA players needed the guard on the floor. Avery Bradley opted out of the season and Rondo got injured in practice. Dion Waiters got a chance to show his skills and the Lakers used his talent really well. Waiters has learned a lot inside the bubble. Rondo is his mentor and Waiters is grateful for his help.

“I always pick his brain, ask him questions, and we’ve been texting back and forth. He’s been texting me, telling me what he sees on the floor, what I can do better,” Waiters told media members. “He’s so smart and his IQ is very high, so when I get a chance to be with a guy like that, I’m constantly asking questions and just trying to get better.”

Alex Caruso shares the same opinion

Lakers guard Alex Caruso is a key contributor on the floor. He was in when Rondo was out. Similar to Waiters, Caruso learned so much from Rondo.

“I kinda texted him a few times (while he was away),” Caruso said. “Getting his thoughts after a couple games, talking about how I played, or how we’re playing as a team.

“Obviously we’re excited for him to be back because he brings something to this team that I don’t think anybody else can do, just with the experience and the way he plays in the playoffs. Understanding coverages and understanding what we’re trying to do with our schemes and our game plan, and then applying it into the game. He’s one of the most vocal people I’ve ever played with. I’m just excited to have him back. He brings a different dimension to our team that I don’t think anybody else can.”

The Lakers went up 2-1 in the series and things got really hot. It’s an important game for LA and they will try to win the championship.