Former Lakers Player Could Return to Team as Assistant Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a pivotal head coaching search. J.J. Redick has emerged as a favorite to land the job but nothing has been confirmed on that end yet. The Lakers will need to surround him with a high-level coaching staff and the latest rumors mention some big names.

One of those names is former NBA champion and Lakers guard Rajon Rondo. According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, the 38-year-old is a candidate to join the Lakers' staff this offseason.

Lakers Rumors: Rajon Rondo Candidate to Join Lakers Coaching Staff

During his playing days, Rondo was widely considered to be one of the smartest basketball players in the league. His basketball IQ, court vision, and passing that made him a great floor general, were also seen as signs that he would one day make a good coach. And it sounds like he is ready to make that jump.

"Rumors of the Lakers’ staffing plans have run throughout the league during the past two weeks, with some names most commonly mentioned including former head coach Scott Brooks and assistants Sam Cassell and Jared Dudley. Ex-Lakers guard Rajon Rondo has also been under consideration."

- Dan Woike, LA Times

Not only is Rondo an intriguing coaching candidate, but he is also familiar with the Lakers organization. He had two stints in Los Angeles, between 2018 and 2020 and in the 2021-22 season. He knows general manager Rob Pelinka, and the Buss family, as well as LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The organizational know-how and the positive relationships he already has within the Lakers could prove to be valuable. Regardless of whether Redick is the next head coach or not, Los Angeles should try to bring Rondo into the fold.

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