OAKLAND, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers held on to a commanding 15 point lead at halftime against the World Champion Golden State Warriors. However midway through the third quarter, LeBron James went down with an injury, the Lakers watched their mighty lead get evaporated down to two. Due to Warriors going on an 11-0 run that trimmed the lead down.
Enter Rajon Rondo with his veteran presence and experience, guided this team to a victory. Without James, Rondo held the young Lakers together with aggressive offensive while he anchored the defense that extended Los Angeles’ lead.
Rondo recently return to the court after missing 17 games with a hand injury, finished with 15 points, 10 assist and five rebounds in the Lakers 127-101 victory.
“The group as a whole did a good job fighting back, but I thought Rondo and Lance Stephenson came into the game and gave us a big lift,“ – Lakers head coach Luke Walton.
Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with a team-high 19 points. Ivica Zubac had another season-high with 19 points and 11 rebounds in his third straight start.
Brandon Ingram finished with 14 points and Lance Stephenson added 11 points off the bench.
With James listed as day-to-day with a strained groin (until his MRI on Wednesday), Rondo will have to have more performances like this one, to keep the Lakers on the winning track. The Lakers return to the court on Thursday against the Kings in Sacramento.
