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Los Angeles Lakers: Rajon Rondo’s best game of the season

By Davide Tovani

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the first half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the first half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo is on the downside of his career. That is undeniable. A torn ACL in 2013 slowed him down and deprived him of his athleticism. At 34 years old, his past physical prowess is not going to return whatsoever.

But do not sleep on him. The playoffs are just around the corner (or at least they were) and so is Playoff Rondo. We have already seen him having mediocre seasons in Chicago and New Orleans and then explode in the playoffs.

Remember, he is the one who almost averaged a triple-double through a playoff run in 2009. Much like the legendary Big Game James Worthy, he is ready to rise when it really matters.

A calf injury slowed him down at the start of the season, forcing him to sit for the first nine games. And it took the 6’1″ point guard some time to get back in rhythm. At first, he looked slow and rusty despite averaging fairly good numbers.

He had missed valuable time supposed to let him learn how to play with his new teammates. But there are few players in the league smarter than him, and it did not take him long to catch up.

Rajon kept navigating the season with fluctuating results, but still, his leadership is what most benefit the team.

Maybe he is still adjusting to the backup role, maybe he is getting too old, either way, he shows some glimpse from time to time.

Rajon Rondo’s best game for the Los Angeles Lakers this season:

After a convincing win against the rising Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were forced to miss the following game to address nagging injuries. A game that was not to be underestimated, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, another big surprise of the season.

Rondo and Kyle Kuzma took the place of the two stars in the starting lineup and it was immediately magic. The Los Angeles Lakers took a commanding 41-19 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The two part-time starters were the best players for the team and seven others scored in double-figures.

Rajon finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and a plus/minus of +14 despite shooting an awful 1-for-6 from three. Almost a triple-double with an unusual single-digit assist scoring.

The game, played in Oklahoma City, among other things, was a one-way match. The Thunder ground and gave battle to the purple and gold, but they never caught up, allowing them to score 125 points.

Rondo looked like his old self. Penetrating and distributing with ease. It looked effortless. It was like he was back to his Boston days. His trademark behind the back fake was part of the show.

It is more impressive if we consider that it happened against long-time rival Chris Paul, a great defender.

Next. The 3 most surprising Lakers this season. dark

The former All-Star proved that he can still give an impacting contribution and that is what we hope he will do in the playoffs (if they will ever be played), especially coming off the bench. It does not matter how old he is and how the season went. We always expect Playoff Rondo.

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