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."
McCollum and the Blazers Snapped Postseason Losing Streak for "Jennifer"
Stars Invest in Plant-Based Food as Vegetarianism Sweeps NBA
The NBA Got Some Wild Techs This Season
Jarrett Allen Is One of the NBA’s Hottest Rim Protectors
Wade's Jersey Swaps Created Epic Moments This Season
Westbrook Makes History While Honoring Nipsey Hussle
Devin Booker Makes History with Scoring Tear
29 Years Ago, Jordan Dropped Career-High 69 Points
Bosh Is Getting His Jersey Raised to the Rafters in Miami
Steph Returns to Houston for 1st Time Since His Moon Landing Troll
Lou Williams Is Coming for a Repeat of Sixth Man of the Year
Pat Beverley Has the Clippers Stealing the LA Shine
LeBron Keeps Shredding NBA Record Books
Young's Hot Streak Is Heating Up the ROY Race with Luka
LeBron and 2 Chainz Form a Superteam to Release a New Album
Wade's #OneLastDance Dominated February
Warriors Fans Go Wild After Unforgettable Moments with Steph
Eight Years Ago, the Nuggets Traded Melo to the Knicks
Two Years Ago, the Kings Shipped Boogie to the Pelicans
ASG Will Be Competitive Again If the NBA Raises the Stakes
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
Report: Kidd Interviewed for Lakers' HC Job
David Griffin Has 'Very Good Optimism' About AD Situation
Report: Walton Was Given Chance to Stay After Magic's Exit
Lakers' 2nd Interview with Lue Is Wednesday