Rondo with Lakers in practice, timetable for return still unclear

Does Playoff Rondo have a surprise up his sleeve?

Los Angeles Lakers reserve guard Rajon Rondo has cleared his 4-day quarantine and is now back with the team at practice, but how much he is doing and his potential return to the Lakers lineup still remains unclear. NBA TV’s Jared Greenberg reported on Monday afternoon that Rondo was back with the Lakers in practice after clearing quarantine, while Lakers coach Frank Vogel told reporters on Sunday that there is no timetable for a return.

Rajon Rondo is officially out of quarantine and with the #Lakers right now as they walk into the practice facility. @NBAonTNT @NBATV #WholeNewGame

— Jared Greenberg (@JaredSGreenberg) August 17, 2020

For most players, breaking their hand a month ago would be a major obstacle for a return. But Rondo is not like most players. He’s played an entire game with a torn ACL and he debated playing through a broken thumb in the 2017 NBA Playoffs when he was with the Chicago Bulls. While no timetable for a return sounds ominous, it also keeps the door open for him to make a return before we expect him to in this series against the Trail Blazers.