Rajon Rondo was upgraded to questionable for Game 2 of the first round series vs the Portland Trail Blazers. While he was away from the team, the Los Angeles Lakers’ veteran was mentoring Alex Caruso, who is one of the back-up perimeter players that received more minutes due to his absence.
“I kinda texted him a few times (while he was away),” Lakers guard Alex Caruso said, per SB Nation. “Getting his thoughts after a couple games, talking about how I played, or how we’re playing as a team.
Obviously we’re excited for him to be back because he brings something to this team that I don’t think anybody else can do, just with the experience and the way he plays in the playoffs,” Caruso continued.
Rondo has the experience to help the younger perimeter players of the Los Angeles Lakers understand the defensive plan, while they called to guard Portland’s superstar Damian Lillard.
The veteran could be an important part of the Lakers playoff success, even if he is not playing important minutes. Despite that, the Lakers could use the “playoff Rondo” for the series against the Blazers.
It remains to be seen when he will be ready to return, after recovering from a fractured right thumb.
