Just as the Los Angeles Lakers were playing their way toward a signature win this season, a worst-case scenario became a reality when LeBron James suffered an injury. He was unable to return against the Golden State Warriors, but Rajon Rondo helped the Lakers finish their rout.
James was diagnosed with a strained groin, and though there was early optimism he avoided serious injury, general wisdom held he would miss at least a handful of games. Already facing a future without James, the Lakers then lost Rondo to a Grade 3 sprained right ring finger.
Still suffering from pain that prevented him from completing regular basketball actions, Rondo opted for surgery to repair a damaged ligament in the sprained finger.