WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles Lakers on Friday announced that veteran guard Rajon Rondo has been cleared to participate in full-contact practices as he recovers from a hand surgery suffered last month.

Rondo tore a ligament in his right ring finger last December against the Golden State Warriors and underwent surgery to repair the injury, the second surgery he had on that hand this season. He also broke his right hand in November and had surgery to repair that injury.

Both injuries forced him out of actions for at least four weeks. He also had three-game suspension for fighting in a game against the Houston Rockets.

So far this season, Rondo has only played in 14 games.

Rondo is averaging 8.4 points, 6.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds in his first season with the Lakers, who signed him as a free agent in July.