Rajon Rondo’s reported signing undermines Lonzo Ball’s role as the Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard.
The signing of Rajon Rondo is the last of a series of moves to get immediate aid to LeBron James and try to re-establish the Los Angeles Lakers as a contending team in the NBA. An appreciated veteran in the league, Rondo is famous for his leadership and intelligence as well as his problematic relationship with coaches.
He will bring to the Lakers championship experience along with his immense knowledge of the game, valuable additions in the quest for their 17th NBA ring.
What is going to be interesting is how his presence will affect Lonzo Ball‘s role in the team.
According to USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick, Rondo is here to compete for a starting spot.
Rajon Rondo has no assurances that he'll start over Lonzo Ball, but it's entirely possible: "Best man plays," I'm told.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 2, 2018
It does not come as a surprise, as Walton mentality has always been “every spot is open and players have to fight for them.” This is what earned Swaggy P the starting shooting guard role and basically resurrected his career in 2017, despite a $17-million Luol Deng sitting at the end of the bench begging for playing time.
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Both known as competitors, it is going to be a fierce war between the two point guards to land that starting spot, and Walton will likely encourage the competition through training camp to bring the best out of them. The Lakers are in win-now mode and whoever proves the best fit on the court will earn the job.
At least, Lonzo will definitely benefit from practicing for a year with one of the most brilliant minds of the game and premier point guard of his era. In the late 2000’s-early 2010’s Rondo won a championship with the Boston Celtics, made four All-Star teams, led the league in assists three times and almost averaged a triple-double during the 2009 playoffs.
The recently announced meniscus injury is not going to help Ball’s case, as, depending on recovery time, he might be forced to skip the summer and all the precious work that comes with it.
Should he lose his spot, though, do not expect to hear him complaining, as the team-first guy he has always been.
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The same cannot be said of his father.