Rajon Rondo cleared to travel with Lakers, can dribble with injured hand

Rajon Rondo will be with the Lakers going forward, but he won’t play with them for another few weeks.

Rajon Rondo isn’t expected to make his return for the Los Angeles Lakers for another couple of weeks, but he gave reporters a little update on his health at practice on Monday.

According to Rondo, he’s now able to dribble with the hand he had surgery on in December (via Lakers.com).

“I can dribble, today, with my right hand. I talked to the doctors this morning and I’m cleared to start working out with my right hand a little bit more day-by-day and seeing it how it goes.”

Rondo has missed the last 10 games for the Lakers, but he said he’s keeping his competitive spirit up by doing other things, like playing board games and card games.

“I play a lot of *Connect Four, Uno, spades ... other activities where I can compete without using my hand muscles. That’s about it.”

*Rondo has a well-documented history with Connect Four. Apparently, he’s very, very good at it.

A lot has been made about the Lakers’ record without LeBron James, and rightfully so. James is arguably the greatest player alive and any team that has him and then doesn’t is going to struggle. However, they’ve missed Rondo’s presence just as much.

Not only is he the team’s only serviceable point guard outside of Lonzo Ball, but he’s also one the team’s few vocal leaders. After practice, Ball said Rondo has been the same vocal leader despite not being able to play.

“He’s not on the floor but he’s with us all the time. Whether he’s texting us or talking to us on the sideline, he’s like another coach. We definitely look forward to getting him back as soon as possible.”

Using the initial one-month timeline that was reported in December, Rondo will be evaluated near or on Monday, Jan. 28. In the meantime, the Lakers will need someone to step up in his absence.

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