Lakers' Walton: Rondo will start until Ball is ready to return
The Los Angeles Lakers will continue to err on the side of caution when it comes to last year's second overall pick.
Lonzo Ball has been cleared to resume full basketball activity, but as head coach Luke Walton told ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the plan is for Rajon Rondo to be the starting point guard until the 20-year-old returns to form following offseason surgery.
General manager Rob Pelinka informed reporters last week that there was no guarantee Ball would be in uniform for opening night on Oct. 18 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The sophomore point guard underwent successful arthroscopic left knee surgery back in July following a 2017-18 campaign in which he was named a member of the NBA All-Rookie second team.
Walton wants to ease Ball back, which is why he'll initially be held out of five-on-five drills with his teammates during training camp.
Related - Magic: Lonzo entering season with 'beautiful' new shooting form
Rondo logged 63 starts last season for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 8.3 points, 8.2 assists, four rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 26.2 minutes per game. He signed a one-year, $9-million contract with the organization this summer.