The countdown to the first Los Angeles Lakers playoff game begins. Tonight, they face the Portland Trail Blazers in one of the toughest matchups a #1 seed could ask for. The Lakers, who have been struggling in the Bubble so far, will have their task cut out when facing the in-form Blazers.

Head coach Frank Vogel gave some positive updates on Rajon Rondo, who missed every game so far due to injury. After he was seen practicing, rumors of a return popped up. But Vogel slowed down the grapevine.

“He’s medically cleared to play,” Vogel said. “We’ll take it day-to-day and see how he continues to progress with his conditioning, rhythm, and timing and how his hand is responding to the added work.”

Vogel admitted he would have loved to play him already, but is avoiding all risks. “There’s definitely a temptation to throw him in there tomorrow night,” he said. “But we’re going to be intelligent. We don’t need to rush him back and put him at risk. We definitely need him, but we’ll bring him back at the right speed at the right time.”

Will the Los Angeles Lakers stars be fully fit?

Anthony Davis (sore right knee) and LeBron James (sore right groin) were counted as probables for the match yet again. Both have had recurring strains from their respective injuries. But coach Vogel will hope they can play at a 100% fitness level. They’re facing opposition of the highest level and he will want both his stars to be at their best.

The Lakers will have their usual lineup. LeBron James and Danny Green as the guards. Kyle Kuzma and Anthony Davis as the forwards and JaVale McGee as the center.

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The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a minor setback as well. After suffering an injury during the Memphis game, Zach Collins is out for Game 1 due to left ankle inflammation. After playing just three games all season, he had made a promising return to the Bubble. He will be replaced by fellow exciting talent, Wenyen Gabriel.

So their lineup will look like: Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum as the guards. Carmelo Anthony and Wenyen Gabriel as the forwards, and Jusuf Nurkic at the center spot.

The Blazers have better momentum coming into the game and have one of the most unstoppable players in the league in Lillard. The Lakers will have their hands full in dealing with them and will have to work their socks off to get a win.