Los Angeles Lakers: Two players most likely to be traded
By Ed Schrenzel
Los Angeles Lakers that could be traded: Rajon Rondo
At age 33 in his 14th pro season, his best days are obviously behind him. This season he averages 5 assists per game (second on the Lakers) and 7.1 points per game (the lowest since his rookie season and eighth on the team) and while playing 20.5 minutes (the lowest of his career), primarily as the back-up point guard. He got off to a strong start shooting beyond the arc but has since cooled down to 32.8%.
Rondo’s defense seems to have improved somewhat from his dreadful performance on that end in 2018-19, but he is still a well-below average defender. His player option for next season is a relatively cheap $2.7 million.
Proponents of retaining Rondo point to his skill at running an offense and the support he has from people that matter the most: LeBron, AD and Coach Frank Vogel. Some even contend that he’s been the fifth or sixth most valuable Laker this season. They also endorse the notion of “Playoff Rondo”, that he will turn his game up a notch in the postseason, although at this time in his career that doesn’t seem likely to happen again.
Rondo detractors say he holds onto the ball far too long while hunting for his own assists rather than keeping the ball moving. They also believe a far more accurate outside shooter would benefit the team more in his place. And of course they argue that his sub-par defense hurts the team.
What does Rondo want? He knows his playing days are numbered. It’s a decent guess that he’d like to win one more ring while positioning himself for a future coaching job.
What could the Lakers get for him? They’d have to find a trade partner with a need for a pass-first backup point guard. At his salary level, it’s doubtful they’d receive much in return in a one-for-one deal. It’s more likely he’d be included as part of a larger swap- if he’s traded at all.