According to unnamed sources familiar with the situation, veteran point guard Rajon Rondo will likely reunite with the Lakers after he clears waivers early next week.
The deal about Rondo’s possible reunion with the Lakers would provide the club a backup point guard and reunite them with a key player from their journey through the 2020 playoffs to a title within the league’s bubble.
Lakers’ advantage?
It also seems to be an offseason maneuver to earn the Lakers a shot at the 2012 NBA Championship rather than the 2022 crown. The 35-year-old Rondo will be younger than five other players on the roster.
The signing of the 2020 postseason average of 8.9 points and 6.6 assists would be a huge win for the Lakers. Then he signed a two-year contract with Atlanta, was unsuccessful, and moved to the Clippers, where he failed to impress.
Rajon Rondo returning to Lakers? Grizzlies agree to buyouthttps://t.co/pxZhob2VJQ
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) August 28, 2021
The Clippers sent him to the Grizzlies in exchange for Eric Bledsoe. The Grizzlies bought out Rondo’s last year’s contract on Saturday.
In his 15th NBA season, Rondo was limited to 45 games between the Hawks and Clippers due to injury. For the first time in his career, he shot over 40% from the three-point range.
The Clippers were unable to use Rondo in the playoffs after acquiring him for Lou Williams at the NBA trade deadline. With the four-time All-Star and two-time champion on the floor, the Clippers were almost seven points per 100 possessions poorer.
Joining Lebron’s squad
He will be joining a veteran-laden squad that features LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Anthony Davis, Kendrick Nunn, Malik Monk, and Talen Horton-Tucker are the Lakers’ only under-30 players.
Rondo is expected to be the team’s third point guard after Russell Westbrook and Nunn. James will also play a lot of point guard.
The Lakers have two open roster slots, with one likely to be vacant come season’s start. The squad may need more wing shooting or frontcourt size.
Image courtesy of Chris Smoove/YouTube