The Los Angeles Lakers expect veteran point guard Rajon Rondo to miss three-to-five weeks due to a fractured third metacarpal in his right hand, according to reports. Rondo suffered the injury during Wednesday night's 126-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the same night that LeBron James eclipsed Wilt Chamberlain for fifth on the NBA all-time scoring list.
Per ESPN:
"Rondo will see a specialist Thursday to determine whether to opt for surgery, a team source told ESPN. The Lakers are operating under the assumption that Rondo could be out three to five weeks, depending on the decision to undergo surgery and the recovery time, the source said."
It is believed that the fractured occurred with about 8:24 left in the fourth quarter after Rondo stole the ball from Jusuf Nurkic, though he did not exit until the 5:20 mark. When asked about the injury as he left the arena, Rondo simply told reporters, "I'm not talking about it," according to ESPN.
"He hit his hand on the floor when he went to steal that ball," Walton said, per ESPN. "They [the medical staff] are getting all the details. I just know he will be out for a few weeks."
"It's tough," James said, per ESPN. "He's one of our captains, one of our leaders. I heard we got great surgeons here in L.A., so get right to it, start his rehab as fast as possible, get going. Next man up. Next man up. I know Rondo hates the fact of what he's going through right now, but we all have to pick him up in his absence."
In 11 games this season, Rondo is averaging 8.5 points to go along with 6.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds.
