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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons Rajon Rondo was a good signing

By Cameron Salce

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 4: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans talks with the media following Game Three of the Western Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors on May 4, 2018 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 4: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans talks with the media following Game Three of the Western Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors on May 4, 2018 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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3. The Lakers needed a backup point guard

Last season, point guard depth was one of the Lakers most glaring issues. Multiple injuries to their backcourt left them in a difficult position where inexperienced guys had to step into big roles.

There were times during the season where the Lakers were forced to use Brandon Ingram at starting point guard, something he is capable of but is not his preferred position. They also had journeyman Tyler Ennis and two-way player Alex Caruso play meaningful minutes for them as well, which was not ideal. Rondo should be an upgrade from those options, and since guys like Ennis and Isaiah Thomas are no longer with the team they will need him to fill that role.

Last season Rondo averaged 8.3 points and 8.2 assists a game as a starter in New Orleans. Those numbers are very similar to Ball’s and are actually better, and that is crucial because he can help the Lakers run a similar style of play while Ball is off the floor.

One of the biggest problems last season was that the pace would only get pushed when the starting group was on the court. That should change this season with Rondo coming off the bench because he can control the tempo of the game.

Early reports have actually indicated that Rondo could even push Ball for the starting spot and the best player will get the job. Either way, with the addition of Rondo, the Lakers have way more depth and stability at the point guard position.

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