The Los Angeles Lakers are "hopeful" that Rajon Rondo could return to the team during the first round of the playoffs, sources told Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports.

Rondo is currently working out with Kurt Rambis in Florida, outside of the bubble.

"The Lakers are hopeful that if Rondo continues rehab without any setbacks, that he will possibly be able to re-enter the bubble at some point in the first round of the playoffs," said Haynes.

Rondo fractured his thumb on July 12th. He was originally expected to miss up to eight weeks.