The Los Angeles Lakers are falling apart. Just a few days after losing LeBron James to a groin injury, the team has already lost another player.

Guard Rajon Rondo will be out at least a month after having surgery on his injured right hand, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Rondo has struggled with hand issues all season. He broke his right hand in November, causing him to miss 17 games.

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Rondo was able to return in late December, but only lasted three games before spraining a finger on his right hand. He was inactive for the team’s 117-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

In 14 games this season, the 32-year-old Rondo is averaging 8.4 points and 6.7 assists per contest.

Without Rondo and James, the Lakers will need their young players to step up. Lonzo Ball attempted to take on that responsibility Thursday, scoring 20 points and racking up 12 assists during the Lakers’ loss. Ball briefly had a triple-double, but a scoring change took away one of his rebounds. He finished with nine.

If the Lakers are hoping to tread water until James gets back, Ball will have to continue playing like that for at least a couple games.

Rajon Rondo will miss a month with a hand injury. (AP Photo) More

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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