Los Angeles Lakers: Best quotes from media day and what they mean

3. Rajon Rondo on his role

• “I’m here to make (LeBron’s) job a lot easier (and) make sure we understand as a team what it takes to win games.” 

Many people questioned why the Los Angeles Lakers signed Rajon Rondo after the team let Julius Randle walk by not matching the relatively cheap offer sheet that the New Orleans Pelicans offered him.

While Rondo’s contract was expiring, Randle was the best player on the Lakers in the second half of the season and would have helped a team that needs depth at the center position.

More questioned the Rondo signing considering the Lakers already had two ball handlers in LeBron James and Lonzo Ball and the fact that he cannot shoot the three; something that has become uniform for every piece that a team brings in to play alongside LeBron.

However, the reason for Rondo’s roster spot and the reason the Lakers decided to pay him is simple: he is a mentor to this young team that needs it. Not only is Rondo going to help Lonzo Ball reach his potential ceiling, but he will also serve as a veteran voice to go alongside LeBron when the going gets tough.

Rondo has won and lost an NBA Championship and knows what it takes to be successful. Adding someone of that caliber alongside LeBron, when literally nobody else on the roster has that experience, is a huge addition.