Lakers Rumors: Rajon Rondo not coming to Los Angeles is a blessing

Former Celtics, Mavericks, Kings and Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo has been a huge topic of discussion in the latest Lakers rumors.

Rajon Rondo has spent his time in quite a few cities around the league. After manning the backcourt in Boston for nine seasons, the former All-Star has played on three different teams in the last two and a half seasons. The latest Lakers rumors had Los Angeles on the list for Rondo’s next team, a partnership that seemed doomed from day one.

Rondo recently signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, first reported by The Vertical. The veteran guard now joins former teammate DeMarcus Cousins and sensational big man Anthony Davis on a Pelicans team that seems to be all-in on winning. With Jrue Holliday receiving a massive contract from New Orleans, there is no doubt Rondo is taking a bench role.

Quite frankly, this is the best-suited role for Rondo. He no longer possesses that dominant, take over the game dynamic. Bringing in a playmaker off the bench will be good for the Pelicans, it wouldn’t have been good for the Lakers.

There is no doubt that Rondo would have taken a bench role for the Lakers, that is what the team was pursuing him for. With the playmaking Lonzo Ball acting as the blueprints of the future, the team wanted to put a similar player behind him. Someone Ball can learn from to further craft his game.

While it is perfect on paper, it would not be perfect in actuality. Yes, Ball has a very similar play style as Rondo. Yes, Rondo is a seasoned veteran who has won championships and owns immense experience. However, Rondo is historically a locker room headache.

More from Lakers Rumors

Whether it is upsetting Doc Rivers in Boston or butting heads with Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler in Chicago, Rondo does not have the friendliest locker room resume. Sure, he is a hard competitor who loves to win, but in a bench role, this headache is the last thing the Lakers need.

Ball will not be successful if he tries to craft his game after Rondo. Rondo has had a great career without question, but Ball’s ceiling is much higher. Los Angeles needs a grizzled veteran, a guy that will be okay with reduced minutes and can still hit his shot.

Rajon Rondo is not that. Although he averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists last season, he is not the guy to lead Ball.

Thankfully, the Lakers missed out on Rondo. While the executives likely were salivating over the prospects of bringing in Rondo, it is the best case scenario that they didn’t. Now, the team must shift their focus to a new target, a target that can be positive – not negative – in this young locker room.

Next: The Utah Jazz are perfect trade partners for Julius Randle

Overall, it is a great thing that the Lakers rumors around Rondo didn’t come to fruition. Los Angeles will be just fine without his services.

Home/Lakers Rumors