Lakers' Luke Walton Doesn't Expect LeBron James, Rajon Rondo to Face Warriors
January 19, 2019
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton said small forward LeBron James and point guard Rajon Rondo could go through a full practice with the team Sunday, but he doesn't expect either player to return from their injury for Monday night's clash with the Golden State Warriors.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN provided the update from Walton on Saturday ahead of L.A.'s game against the Houston Rockets.
James has been sidelined since the Lakers' Christmas Day victory over the Warriors because of a groin injury. Rondo last played in the same game before undergoing surgery on his right hand.
Los Angeles has posted a 4-7 record while the duo has been sidelined. It's dropped the team's overall mark to 25-21, which ranks eighth in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Although the Lakers' skid has led the renewed speculation about his future, power forward Kyle Kuzma came to his coach's defense Wednesday, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com.
"Anytime you're missing LeBron, you're going to struggle," Kuzma said. "Cleveland had [Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love], and they struggled when LeBron was out. Obviously, it's not just us."
When MJ Wore #12 After His Jersey Was Stolen Before a Game
15 Years Ago, LeBron, Wade and Melo Took Over All-Star Weekend
14 Years Ago, Iverson Dropped Career-High 60 Points
The Kyrie and LeBron Bromance Is Back!
Bats Have Become an Unexpected Attraction at Spurs Games
KD Giving Back to His Hometown with Durant Center
Four Years Ago, Klay Drops Record 37 Pts in One Quarter
Remembering the Night Kobe Scored 81 Points
Happy 37th Birthday Dwyane Wade
Steph Is a Few Shots Away from NBA 3-Point History
Lance's Air Guitar Is the Lakers' New Go-To Celebration
Can Harden Keep His Dominance Going?
Steph Gifts Fan Who Asked for Girls UA Kicks with New Curry 6s
Happy 34th Birthday to LeBron 👑
4 Years Ago, Kobe Passed Jordan on the NBA Scoring List
Drummond and Embiid Reignite Rivalry
Happy 24th Birthday to Giannis Antetokounmpo
D-Rose Turned Back the Clock and Put Up 50
Dubs Trolled Fergie So Hard It Became a Challenge
CP3-Rondo Blowup Was a Long Time Coming
Meanwhile, Walton told Shelburne he doesn't mind the spotlight that comes with coaching one of the most storied franchises in American sports.
"It's the best job in the world, and I love the challenge that we have," he said. "It's challenging, it's hard, it's sleepless nights. But it's also awesome."
On the positive side, the Lakers' depth options have received ample opportunity to get more consistent playing time with the high-profile injuries. Six different players have led the squad in scoring during their 11-game absence. That balance should benefit the team once everyone is healthy.
If James and Rondo do miss Monday's game, their next chance to return will come Thursday when the Lakers battle the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Related
Youngsters on the Edge of All-Star Status ⭐️
Most Memorable Moments in All-Star Game History
LeBron, Wade Looking to Make Most of Last ASG Together