Boston Celtics’ guard Rajon Rondo wears headphones during shootaround before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Boston, Friday, January 17, 2014. AP
BOSTON – Rajon Rondo is back on the court for the Boston Celtics.
Rondo started against the Lakers on Friday night, nearly a full year after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last Jan. 25.
Rondo was activated but did not play on Wednesday night, when the Celtics snapped a nine-game losing streak. Coach Brad Stevens said Thursday that Rondo would return against the rival Lakers barring a setback.
The crowd began anticipating Rondo’s return right before introductions, when the video monitor started showing clips from him working out to Van Halen’s ”Right Now.”
The cheering grew louder when the scoreboard said, ”No. 9 Returns Tonight.”
The four-time All-Star was introduced last, as the team’s captain.
Rondo has eight points on four-of-seven shooting from the field, one rebound and a steal helping the Celtics take a 58-52 lead over the Lakers at the half as of posting.