The Los Angeles Lakers landed point guard Rajon Rondo in free agency. Here are three reasons his signing was a good one.
Rajon Rondo was once one of the biggest thorns in the Los Angeles Lakers side while playing for the rival Boston Celtics. At that point, there is no Laker fan that could ever picture him rocking the purple and gold.
However, that is something they are going to have to quickly get used to this season. The Lakers have officially inked Rajon Rondo to his one-year deal this past Friday, and there has already been a ton of debate about the move.
The number one argument against Rondo’s signing is that he cannot shoot the ball, something the Lakers have struggled mightily with in recent seasons. That factor also makes it difficult for him and Lonzo Ball to share the court together because they have similar weaknesses. He has also had problems with his attitude with different teams that he has played with in his career.
Yet in his first interview as a Laker, he had a lot of positive things to say that should encourage fans and quiet some of his critics.
One positive thing he said was that he would be comfortable coming off of the bench. He also mentioned that he wants to teach the young core how to be professionals every day to better help them develop.
He told Lakers media over the phone, “they have me here to help win games, any way possible, whatever situation I might be in. I think they have plans, me being here along with other guys and this great young core. I’m not so much caught up in starting (or not).”
Head coach Luke Walton already has experience dealing with Rondo as well, the two faced off against each other in both the 2008 and 2010 finals. Both of their championship experiences and acumen should make them a great match together even though Rondo has clashed with some coaches in the past.
Even though it was a somewhat controversial signing, it was a smart decision to sign Rajon Rondo. There is also barely any risk to the move because he is only under contract for one season. Take a look at three major reasons that show why his signing was a good move.
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.
2. LeBron Requested to play with playmakers
One of LeBron James‘ major concerns while playing with the Cavaliers this past season was that he was carrying too much of the offensive workload.
His usage rate was through the roof because he was the primary ball handler for the offense. He continuously asked the Cavs front office to add playmakers, but their roster mainly consisted of spot-up shooters who could not create their own shot.
The Lakers decided to go a different route. They are trying to surround LeBron with guys who can make plays for him and also be tough on the defensive side of the ball. Rondo fits those characteristics perhaps better than any other free agent on the market in 2018.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburn recently reported that LeBron signed off on all the Lakers free agent acquisitions after him, including Rondo.
Rondo was sixth in the league in assists last season, and the only free agent that was ahead of him on the list was LeBron. The Lakers offensive philosophy is predicated on sharing the basketball, so those two additions should fit perfectly in Walton’s system.
In the playoffs last season Rondo looked like his old self, he played solid defense on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum and was a driving force behind the Pelicans first-round victory. Hopefully, that performance carries over into this season and his playmaking ability can help the Lakers win playoff games next season.
1. He can help Lonzo Ball and the other young players develop
If the Lakers want to win championships now and in the future, then their biggest priority should be to develop the budding young stars they have on the roster. Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Lonzo Ball all arguably have the ability to develop into All-Star players and could be homegrown pieces to build around for the next decade.
Rondo has already said that he wants to help guide the Lakers young core and can share some of his NBA experiences along to them. The player that he can probably help the most would be Lonzo Ball because their styles are so similar.
He had complimentary things to say about Ball as well, “I’m excited to get a player at that age and try to help him as much as I can, as far as understanding the game and getting his game up to speed at a high level.”
Next: Grading The Lakers Free Agency Thus Far and Potential Moves
It is without question that Rondo has one of the highest basketball IQ’s in the league, so this move makes a lot of sense. The Lakers were the third youngest roster in the league last season, so adding experienced veterans like Rondo to the mix was important to address in free agency.