Shocker: Nothing. Both Rondo and Paul would be on their best behavior.
Assuming that the Thunder did buy out Chris Paul’s contract, that would mean that CP3 would be without a team. Rajon Rondo just signed a two-year contract with a player option. Who thought back when the fight happened that Rajon Rondo would have more stability at this point than Chris Paul.
Don’t let Chris Paul’s contract fool you. Remember Carmelo Anthony made close to $30 million dollars last year even though he was passed around the league like a cardboard box full of dirty clothes. Paul will receive over $100 million dollars in the buyout but even then Oklahoma City will save a ton of money from getting out from under Russell Westbrook’s albatross contract.
No matter how Chris Paul leaves the Thunder, his reputation is taking a downward turn just like Carmelo Anthony’s did last year. It’s not about the talent these players have, it’s the reputation in the locker room and team chemistry.
It was reported that the Lakers had a roster spot for Carmelo Anthony if the Lakers got on a roll for the playoffs. It never happened. It would be hard-pressed to see the Lakers passing Chris Paul over if he was on the free agent market especially with the point guard rumors floating around.
Will there be tension with Rondo and Paul in the same locker room? Sure. But nothing will happen in my opinion. Chris Paul has never played in an NBA Finals. If he came to the Lakers, this would be his last legitimate shot at a championship. Plus he should know the alternative with one of the “Banana Boat” crew out of the NBA on Melo.
Rajon Rondo is expendable. Even he knows that. The Lakers always knew he was an option when Kawhi Leonard was making up his mind. There are no other NBA teams looking for Rondo. Getting that two-year deal was a real boon for him.
If they do play together on the same team, NBA writers will love it because the Lakers will officially be just as exciting off the court as on.