Frank Vogel, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, is hopeful that Rajon Rondo will play in the second round of the playoffs.
It is not clear yet if Rondo will be available for Game 1, but he is expected to play at some point in the series.
The veteran guard underwent thumb surgery in July and had not played a game in the “bubble”. He was expected to return in the first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, but was ruled out with back spasms.
The Lakers will face either the Houston Rockets or the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
