The Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo lineup
- PG: Rajon Rondo
- SG: Alex Caruso
- SF: Danny Green
- PF: Kyle Kuzma
- C: Anthony Davis
Davis doesn’t want to play center, and Rajon Rondo played awful basketball last season. Nevertheless, we can’t forget that during the 2017-2018 season after DeMarcus Cousins tore his Achilles at the beginning of February, that Davis moved up a position and played center for the Pelicans. At the same time, Rondo played point guard for New Orleans while Jrue Holiday was the shooting guard. During that period, between February and the end of the season, Davis and Rondo morphed into a potent twosome, and while playing off each other they crushed it.
- Throughout February, the Pelicans went 8-3, behind 35 points per game from Davis and nine APG from Rondo.
- In March, Davis continued to rack up massive stats at center and Rondo averaged close to a double-double as the Pelicans went 8-6.
- During April, New Orleans finished the regular season going 5-1 while AD averaged 28 PPG and Rondo had 11 APG.
- Finally, in the playoffs Davis continued to pulverize the game of basketball from the center position and Rajon mutated into “Playoff Rondo” and averaged 10 PPG, 12 APG, and 7 RPG.
Next season, the Lakers must find a way to rest James for at least 15 games, or he could get injured again.
When LeBron sits out a game, Vogel should look to rekindle the magical partnership that formed between Davis and Rondo two seasons ago in the Bayou.
There’s no reason why Davis can’t play around 20 minutes per game at the center position when LeBron’s inactive for a contest. There’s also no reason why Vogel shouldn’t give Rondo a chance to play big minutes as the Lakers point guard.
When LeBron doesn’t play, Vogel should surround Rondo and Davis with three good shooters and let the two ex-Pelicans run the offense.
His shooting struggles can be problematic, but despite Rondo’s awful stroke, he can still be a valuable player.
Next year Vogel should try this paring when LeBron rests because Rondo and Davis like playing with each other and there’s conclusive proof that they can excel together. But, if Rondo dogs it again on defense, and the Lakers struggle, he should get the hook early in the season.
If Rondo steps up and comes close to replicating the type of ferocious D he played in Boston, then this lineup could be unique.
Caruso will play next to Rondo at the 2 because he’s one of the best defensive guards in the league and he’ll be able to cover the most challenging backcourt assignment on defense. Danny Green will move up a spot to the 3, which he’s more than capable of doing and Kuzma will play his preferred position, power forward.
On offense, Rondo and Davis would work their wizardry, while Green, Caruso, and Kuzma help spread the floor.
On the less glamorous side of the ball, the Lakers would feature three plus defenders in Alex Caruso, Danny Green, and Anthony Davis. Moreover, we must hope that Vogel will be able to use his defensive acumen to coax every ounce of ballhawk talent from Rondo and Kuzma.
This 5-man group could end up becoming very potent, which will allow LBJ to rest pleasantly throughout the season.