What Rajon Rondo's Injury Means For The Lakers

First practice in the bubble and we already have a significant injury. Lakers backup point guard Rajon Rondo suffered a fractured right thumb and will be sidelined for the next 6-8 weeks. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel believes Rondo will be ready in time for the playoff run. Rondo will most likely miss the eight regular season games and maybe even the first round of the playoffs. Although Rondo isn’t the same player he once was in Boston, he still brings a lot to this Lakers team who are looking to win their 17th championship. 

What do the Lakers lose with Rondo getting hurt? Well, they lose their second best playmaker and a key piece to that bench. The bench on the lakers is pretty solid. Guys like Kuz, Dwight, KCP and newly acquired J.R. Smith is able to help bring a spark off the bench. However, those guys aren’t really able to create their own shots without a player like Rondo. But playmaking isn’t the only thing the point guard can do. He is also able to lock up on the defensive end. NBA fans forget that Rondo has 2 All-Defensive First Team and 2 All-Defensive Second Teams to his name. The dude can flat out lock up. The last thing that the Lakers lose for the next two months is a quality leader. Rondo has been there and done that. He’s won a championship and gotten to learn from guys like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. He’s been in the league for 14 years and knows how to get the job done. 

What do the Lakers do now that their backup PG is hurt? This question has been asked too many times. Please stop SLEEPING on Quinn Cook. Cook already has a championship under his belt and is looking for another one. He was a key piece coming off the bench for the Golden State Warriors when they beat LeBron and the Cavs back in 2018. Cook isn’t the player that Rondo is but he isn’t that far off and will most certainly help the Lakers bench in the absence of Rajon Rondo.

While Rajon Rondo recovers from his injury, Laker fans should still feel confident in their chances of holding onto the #1 seed and ultimately winning a championship. 

Photo creds to Harry How of Getty Images