Lakers Confirm Major Return-From-Injury Ahead Of Timberwolves Game

The Los Angeles Lakers are likely to receive a much-needed injury boost ahead of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday after coach Luke Walton admitted that Rajon Rondo could return to the squad after recovering from a hand injury.

The veteran point guard missed the last 14 games after sustaining a sprain to his right ring finger that required surgery during the game against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. During his absence, the Lakers have slipped from fourth place to ninth in the Western Conference after going on a 5-9 run.

"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," Walton said after his team’s 111-130 loss to the Warriors at the Staples Center on Monday night, as quoted by ESPN.

The 32-year-old, who joined the Lakers this season on a one-year deal, has played in just 14 of the team’s 48 games thus far. He has spent time on the sidelines due to two hand injuries and a three-game suspension owing to an altercation during the Lakers’ game against the Houston Rockets at the start of the season.

Rondo’s return will be a welcome boost for Walton, who is also without point guard Lonzo Ball, who is out for at least four weeks with an ankle sprain. Brandon Ingram was forced to play as a point guard when they took on the Warriors on Monday night.

Meanwhile, LeBron James, who also missed the last 14 games after sustaining a groin injury during the game on Christmas Day remains doubtful about returning this week after the coach revealed that he is yet to begin full contact practice.

The three-time NBA champion’s agent Rich Paul made it clear James will not return until he is fully fit and admitted that it could even be two more weeks before he made his comeback. Walton echoed the agent’s comments ahead of the Warriors game, but admitted after that James is desperate to get back on court, though it is certain that the small forward will not rush his return.

"I haven't seen him do contact yet, so I don't feel as confident," the Lakers coach said when asked about the possibility of James returning on Thursday. "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. So whenever that day comes, he'll be back out there, but I would say right now I feel more confident about Rondo being ready for Thursday,” Walton explained.