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Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton believes Rajon Rondo will return Thursday

By James Francuz

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 27: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Head Coach Luke Walton talk during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 27, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 27: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Head Coach Luke Walton talk during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 27, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers will likely get a much-needed boost to their lineup on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Lakers are essentially hanging by a thread nowadays. As of when this was written, the storied franchise currently occupies the No. 9 playoff spot.

Part of why the team has lost ground over the last few weeks has been due to the injury bug plaguing them. Fortunately, though, one of their casualties may be making his return to the lineup on Thursday.

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, head coach Luke Walton thinks there is a strong probability point guard Rajon Rondo plays against Minnesota Thursday night.

"“I think Rondo will play Thursday as long as he continues to move with no setbacks until then, but that will be something that we’ll keep pushing him and we’ll re-evaluate each morning,” Lakers coach Luke Walton said following his team’s 130-111 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday."

If this occurs, it would provide the Lakers with some much-needed assistance. Lonzo Ball will be nursing a sprained left ankle for no less than a month’s time. Of course, that is notwithstanding the fact that superstar LeBron James is still in recovery mode in terms of his groin.

As Kyle Newport of Bleacher Report signifies, Rondo has not played for the Lakers since Christmas Day. On said occasion, Rondo suffered an injury to his right ring finger.

Needless to say, that date is also indicative of when James last put on a Lakers jersey. Without the two leaders, the 16-time champions have certainly struggled to win games. Monday evening’s contest was no exception as the Warriors easily took down a depleted L.A. group.

As Christian Rivas of SB Nation says, the return of Rondo is important for a group that is on the quieter side at times. Rondo is the type of guy that is not afraid to speak up, which is crucial for the Lakers.

Moreover, Rondo will give the team a hand in an area they desperately need support. The 2008 NBA champion is a natural facilitator and will be the team’s primary ball handler for now. This is a huge plus and relief for a roster that has been lacking in that respect.

The rest of the team was happy when they heard that one of their best assets will finally come back Thursday. According to Rivas, one of those guys was big man Ivica Zubac.

"“It will be great. He’s one of our leaders,” Zubac said. “With him being on the floor it’s much easier. Especially for me, as a big, I always know what to do and where to be and he’s going to help us a lot.”"

In his analysis of Rajon, Zubac brings up an extremely valid point. The floor general is well-known for making the lives of his teammates “easier,” which makes this news so encouraging for the Lakers.

As Austin Hutchinson of ClutchPoints exhibits, the purple and gold have not had a true “identity” in recent memory. Thankfully, Rondo’s return to action will at least enable the Lakers to have an intelligent, reliable presence on the court.

The faltering team needs someone who can take a firm hold of the reins. The former Pelican may not be the player he once was, yet he is certainly a capable of fulfilling that role.

With respect to James, however, Walton projects that James will not be available on Thursday. Via McMenamin’s article, he sees greater importance in LeBron getting to that 100 percent healthy mark.

"“I haven’t seen him do contact yet, so I don’t feel as confident,” Walton said when asked if James would join Rondo on the court against the Wolves. “But I know you know how serious he is about his rehab. So he’s doing everything possible and we’ve talked. I know he’s dying to get back on the basketball court, but he also knows that getting healthy is the top priority.”"

From a fan’s standpoint, this news stinks because James has never missed so many consecutive games. Despite that truth, it is understandable as to why the Lakers are playing it safe with their best player.

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Granted James’ return is up in the air, it is good to know Rondo is ready to rock and roll. The Lakers were literally devoid of a bona fide playmaker Monday night. It is encouraging that a bit of help is on the way.

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