Rajon Rondo listed as questionable for regular season opener vs. Clippers, Alex Caruso is probable

Around this time last year, when the Los Angeles Lakers played their home opener against the Houston Rockets, Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul got into a scuffle that led to three suspensions and $836,805 in fines. This year, Rondo might not even be on the court when the Lakers tip-off their season at Staples Center.

According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Rondo is listed as questionable for the Lakers’ regular season opener against the LA Clippers on Tuesday. Rondo has sat out of the team’s last two games with calf soreness.

Prior to getting injured, Rondo was averaging 8.7 points per game on 48.4% shooting from the field, including an impressive 40 % from 3-point range on 3.3 attempts per game (10 total attempts). However, even in spite of his contribution offensively and his improved defensive effort, he posted a negative net rating, in part due to the fact that his assist to turnover ratio was nearly 1:1.

If Rondo’s isn’t 100% healthy on Tuesday, there’s no real reason to rush him back with the options that the Lakers have at point guard, including Quinn Cook, who will be available against the Clippers. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso has been listed as questionable. Caruso exited Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors with a bone contusion in his pelvis.

Between Bradley, Cook and Caruso, the Lakers have enough depth at point guard to go up against the Clippers. That’s not to mention Troy Daniels and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who could also spend some time at the 1 with LeBron James as the primary ball-handler.

We’ll find out exactly who will be available closer to tip-off on Tuesday, which is at 7:30 p.m.

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