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Lakers Rumors: Rajon Rondo eyeing ring, not starting

By Mason Kern

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 08: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at the Smoothie King Center on January 8, 2018 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 08: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at the Smoothie King Center on January 8, 2018 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Despite Los Angeles Lakers rumors that Rajon Rondo desires the starting spot this coming season, he has put them to rest saying he has one goal in mind

There has been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors this offseason regarding their potential lineup. The Los Angeles Lakers revamped their roster this offseason with a number of playoff-experienced veterans to fill the supporting cast surrounding LeBron James. One of those signings included the likes of Rajon Rondo.

The Lakers lured Rondo away from the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year, $9 million deal.

After the signing was announced, Laker Nation posed the question as to who will retain the starting role come October. Will it be 2017 No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball or a player with similar tendencies and more experience in Rondo?

Many believed Rondo would not succumb to a bench role, electing instead to take the starting spot and push Ball to the second unit. However, he has recently put those rumors to bed, speaking with Bill Oram of The Athletic on his plans for the year.

"“They have plans, obviously, me being here. Along with other guys they’ve [brought] in, along with this great young core that we have. So, I’m not so much caught up in the starting and things like that. I’m just caught up in winning the championship.”"

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Signing another player of the same archetype as Ball came as a surprise to many fans. President of basketball operations Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka are clearly going a different route in building a team around James.

Defense and playmaking are two facets that the Lakers are stressing this season; Ball and Rondo are two of the best in the league in those areas. Rondo averaged 8.2 assists per game last season while Ball posted 7.2 of his own.

Rondo also expressed his excitement to play with a young player like Ball. His leadership has been questioned throughout his career based on his disputes from his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls. But, he is looking to turn over a new leaf with the Lake Show this year.

"“I’m excited to get a player 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 as far as at a high level. Especially with the amount of pressure now that the organization has on him.”"

In a league that revolves around guard play, Ball received a lot of criticism in his rookie campaign. His scoring numbers were lower than other rookies in his class, but his assist and rebounding totals exceeded that of even veteran guards around the league. He received NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors last year.

The Lakers’ championship odds skyrocketed to 7-2 when James signed. Rondo’s main goal now is to win a ring. Now that former teammate DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Golden State Warriors, the stage is set for an iconic Western Conference rivalry for years to come.

Next: 3 Reasons Rajon Rondo Was A Good Signing

However, the Lakers will have to work their way through the grueling West with the Warriors and Houston Rockets blocking the path to the Finals.

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