The Los Angeles Lakers will be adding a great basketball mind to the court in Friday night’s Game 1, but they will also be without a key member of their coaching staff on their bench when they open their second round series against the Houston Rockets.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel spoke to reporters before L.A.’s first game in nearly a week, where he confirmed that Rajon Rondo will return to the court and come off the bench. Rondo will play in his first game since March 10 and his first playoff game since 2018. However, Rondo also told reporters that assistant coach Jason Kidd will not be with the Lakers tonight because he is dealing with “severe” back spasms.
Frank Vogel says that Rajon Rondo will play tonight and come off the bench. It will be his first game action since March.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 4, 2020
Frank Vogel says Jason Kidd is experiencing “severe” back spasms and won’t be on the bench tonight for Game 1 vs Houston.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 4, 2020
Rondo’s addition, particularly in a series against a Rockets team that has invested the entirety of their championship hopes in the play of their perimeter players, will be a crucial addition to the Lakers. The Lakers’ big men, who have been a key to their success over the course of this season, might be marginalized. That’s just one reason why Rondo’s addition is likely to help the Lakers in the playoffs.
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