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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking each role player by importance

By Jason Reed

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Rajon Rondo

You might actually be surprised to see Rajon Rondo this high on the list. Despite him having one of the most high-profile names in the NBA, Rondo, at least on paper, is not a great fit on the Los Angeles Lakers alongside LeBron James.

Rondo is someone that needs the ball to be successful. He is someone that looks to run the offense, distribute and set the pace of play, all things that LeBron James does to make him so great. It doesn’t help that Rondo is not the most prolific three-point shooter, although he has been getting better.

While the fit is not great and it might lead to Rondo coming off the bench, it does not take away his importance. All those things that make him clash in play style with LeBron are actually what makes him important to the Lakers.

The team is going to need someone who does those things when LeBron is not on the court and that is where Rondo finds his lane. Will there be times when they are both on the court? Probably. But when LeBron is resting we will see Rondo’s importance to this team.

Having someone who can run the offense and get other guys going in the second unit is extremely beneficial, even if he sometimes does boneheaded things (as we saw last year).

Plus, playoff Rondo is still extremely dangerous as he kicks it into a gear that he doesn’t even display in the regular season.

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