ESPN Basketball Analyst and former NBA player Ryan Hollins explained why he thinks Rajon Rondo of the Los Angeles Lakers is better than Chris Paul.
Max Kellerman laughed hysterically while Ryan Hollins was discussing why he thinks Rajon Rondo of the Los Angeles Lakers is a better player or will be a better point guard than Oklahoma City’s Chris Paul will be this season. Lakers fans sure hope so. Wouldn’t it be ironic if it turns out to be true after Lakers fans desired Paul after the NBA shot down a trade to the Lakers all those years ago.
Hollins believes Paul is the worse player because Rondo is in better health and has “more in the tank right now.” He feels, right now, Rondo is the best player because of impact. He said if Paul was healthy, it would be “a different discussion.” Rondo can give the Lakers more predominantly because of his health.
Chris Paul was traded to the Thunder from the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook. In the trade, Russell commanded a few first-round picks (first-rounders in 2024 and 2026, along with pick swaps in 2021 and 2025) where the Rockets received Westbrook in the swap.
While Paul seemed to get into it on the bench during games with the Rockets, Rondo provided leadership and glue for the Lakers, even when injured and on the bench.
Let’s compare the two players stats from the 2018-2019 season, shall we? Paul started more games, but the two played almost the same number of minutes. Paul ranks higher in each category except rebounds.
But, when it comes to chemistry, Rondo seems to get along great with LeBron James and teammates from last season Kyle Kuzma and JaVale McGee on the Lakers. He provides leadership and mostly a cool head unless poked in the eye by Paul when he punches back or spits maybe
We have yet to see how Chris Paul will do chemistry-wise without Paul George (traded to the Clippers to join Kawhi Leonard) and Westbrook. It seems the Thunder is Paul’s team. He will play alongside veterans Raymond Felton (35) and Danilo Gallinari (30), and a beast of a center Steven Adams, who is only 25 years old. Paul also has Terrence Ferguson who is coming into his own in the NBA.
Lakers will be better for having Rondo in their lineup and the book is still out of Chris Paul’s effect on the Thunders roster. No matter what, it should be fun to watch.