Much was made about the starting point guard position for the Lakers heading into the season opener. No one was exactly sure where the Lakers were going to go for their starter, whether it was going to be LeBron James or one of the traditional point guards on the roster, such as Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook, or Alex Caruso. Still, there was one name that seemed more likely than the others due to the Lakers’ players, coaching staff, and front offices’ love for him, and that player is Rajon Rondo.
Rondo has been dealing with a calf issue since training camp began, complicating his potential to be the team’s starting point guard. Avery Bradley has started at point guard every game this season other than the Chicago Bulls game (missed due to injury), as the Lakers have gone 6-2 with him in the starting lineup.
However, it appears we are getting closer and closer to Rondo’s debut, which will definitely cause Frank Vogel to have to adjust his rotations and, potentially, starting lineup. Vogel was asked about Rondo’s status ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, saying that he was optimistic about Rondo playing in the game (via Tania Ganguli of the LA Times)
Frank Vogel seemed optimistic about Rondo playing tonight but said he’ll still be questionable until tonight.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) November 12, 2019
Although many Lakers fans aren’t fans of Rajon Rondo, he could potentially present a third playmaker for the Lakers other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as Kyle Kuzma is still getting comfortable on the floor following his absence to start the season.
Still, Rondo was less than stellar in his first season with the Lakers, playing terrible defense, having a bad attitude at times during the rough season, and being a liability for the offense’s spacing as no opponent respects his three-point shot.
Rondo is still technically “questionable” for the game tonight, so we will see if he plays. Either way, it seems as though that we are likely to see him suit up for the first time this week, with it being very interesting to see how he affects the way that the Lakers play.
