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Los Angeles Lakers: Six potential free agent targets for depth

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during their game at Barclays Center on February 10, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during their game at Barclays Center on February 10, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

6. PG Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo proved in the NBA Playoffs that he still has the same playmaking ability that he had on the Boston Celtics. While he may not be the same Rajon Rondo of eight years ago when the games really matter Rondo kicks it up a gear and delivers vintage performances on a nightly basis.

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More importantly than that for the Los Angeles Lakers, Rondo can serve as a mentor for Lonzo Ball. Ball has a very similar play style to Rondo and may be his best comparison outside of Jason Kidd. With a veteran Rondo behind him, Ball can learn what it takes to take that next step in the NBA and live up to his superstar potential.

Plus, the Lakers need depth behind Lonzo Ball anyways. The team does have Josh Hart in the mix, but he may be the first trade chip to go if the Lakers want to utilize a player option trade for Paul George or DeAndre Jordan.

The chances of that happening are slim, but even still, the Lakers need two solid guards to bring off of the bench. Tyler Ennis is not really that, so hitting the market is the next best bet.

This would be the perfect place for Rondo to go, assuming the Lakers get two stars. Someone like Paul George or LeBron James (or both) are going to want a veteran like Rondo off of the bench. Not only that, with so much talent, Rondo can take a smaller role and save all of his explosiveness for the playoffs.

Next: Five questions the Lakers will answer this offseason

Logistically, Rondo may be the smartest signing of all of these players. Not only does he make the Los Angeles Lakers better now, but he will contribute towards the long-term goal of turning Lonzo Ball into a superstar.

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