Rajon Rondo will start at point guard for the Lakers as Lonzo Ball continues his recovery from offseason knee surgery, coach Luke Walton told ESPN Tuesday.
The Lakers are understandably being cautious in bringing Ball back from the July surgery to repair a torn left meniscus.
In the meantime, the veteran Rondo will run the new-look Lakers, who signed free agent LeBron James — among other additions — in the offseason.
The Lakers signed the 32-year-old Rondo in July to a one-year deal worth $9 million. And while some speculated that the four-time All-Star would push Ball for the starting job (Los Angeles Times headline: "Can Rajon Rondo give Lonzo Ball a run for his money at point guard?), Rondo has publicly been supportive of Ball.
"I’m excited to get a player at that age and try to help him as much as I can, as far as understanding the game and getting his game up to speed at a high level," Rondo said in July.
Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson recently said Ball is primed for a "breakout season," thanks to a revamped shot. Ball averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists as a rookie.
Spectrum SportsNet reported last week Ball won't be ready for 5-on-5 drills as training camp starts this week.
Until he's ready to go full speed, Rondo gets the nod. The veteran averaged 8.3 points and 8.2 assists in 65 games for the Pelicans last season.
