The Los Angeles Lakers handled their business pretty easily after getting off to a slow start in the NBA Bubble, but they eventually got their game together and reeled off four straight wins to beat the Portland Trail Blazers in five games. They did this while already missing Avery Bradley but also Rajon Rondo, whose return in the series against Portland after dealing with a bout of back spasms. However, the time off appears to have served Rondo well, as reports from practice are that he looked good on the court.
Head coach Frank Vogel told reporters on Monday afternoon that the Lakers are ‘hopeful’ to have Rondo in the next series, where they will likely face the Houston Rockets, who are currently up 3-2 and have a chance to advance to the next round on Friday night.
Frank Vogel said Rajon Rondo practiced today. “He looked good. We’re hopeful to have him this series.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) August 31, 2020
The Lakers were able to succeed in the second round, with Danny Green getting some 3-pointers to finally go and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also pouring in shots from outside. Alex Caruso was also a key player with his defense and he also had a couple of nice drives to the basket in the later games to help close out the Lakers. But none of the above are the experienced and controlled operator that Rondo is on the offensive end, particularly when the attention to detail and effort rises in the postseason.
Although Rondo is a polarizing figure with Lakers fans, it’s absolutely a good thing for them and their depth, especially if they face James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
