Kobe Bryant recently discussed Rajon Rondo joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
While the Los Angeles Lakers signing LeBron James was their big move of the offseason, they also added a few other talented veterans. One of the interesting signings for the Lakers was the addition of Rajon Rondo.
Since leaving the Celtics, Rondo has had his share of ups and downs with multiple teams. However, he is coming off a good season with the New Orleans Pelicans, and fills a need for the Lakers.
Last season, the Lakers had a clear need for a second point guard on the team. When Lonzo Ball was out with injuries, the Lakers had a big drop off from him to Tyler Ennis and Alex Caruso. Getting Rondo gives the Lakers another starting caliber point guard that can not only push Ball for playing time, but he can also be a solid backup for him.
Recently, Kobe Bryant talked about adding Rondo to the team in an interview with Rich Eisen. Here’s what he had to say via 247sports.com.
"“Nah, I think there’s a lot to be learned from. Rondo is a student of the game, how he studies the game, I think that’s something Lonzo can learn from. Rondo will sit there and watch film for hours and hours and hours and dissect and pick things apart to the smallest of detail and I think it’s important for Lonzo to see that. Also how he facilitates the game, reads things happening before they actually happen. How he can manipulate the defense to make things happen and also defensively he gets after you. So I think it’s great.”"
As long as Rondo is in a good mindset, he can be a very good player for the Lakers. Going back to his days with the Celtics, Rondo was no stranger to playoff basketball, and he will bring a lot of experience to a somewhat young team.
Last season, Rondo averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists in just over 26 minutes per game. With the Lakers, Rondo will likely be playing around the same amount of minutes, as he will likely be one of their key bench players.
In addition to what he will be able to bring to the team, one of the most important things is what he might be able to teach Lonzo Ball. In his rookie season, Ball was certainly impressive as a point guard, but he can still learn a lot from a floor general like Rondo.
Bryant knows what Rondo can do from facing him in the NBA Finals during his playing days. Furthermore, he seems to be a big supporter of adding him to the roster.