Los Angeles Lakers: Surprise surprise, Playoff Rondo has arrived

Rajon Rondo’s fantastic performance in his second game in the bubble helped the Los Angeles Lakers overcome the Houston Rockets in Game 2.

I warned you. Playoff Rondo was on his way to the Los Angeles Lakers. When the playoffs come around, Rajon Rondo turns the switch to postseason mode.

In a very important victory in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench came up hugely with its contribution, led by Rondo.

For those who were fast to criticize him after Game 1, let me remind that it was his first game in six months, coming from a broken thumb, back spasms and very few scrimmages under his legs. A great game was not likely in such a rushed return on the floor. But he had the trust of his head coach and was fast to catch up.

In just his second game he contributed majorly to the Lakers’ win with 10 points, 9 assists, 5 steals and a game-high +28 plus/minus.

He played perfectly as LeBron James‘s backup, supplying to his absence when he was resting on the bench. Rondo controlled the team and rose to the occasion when in need of scoring. He had six assists in the sole first quarter, especially finding Markieff Morris and setting him up from three to give the Lakers a big early lead.

Rajon also hit a key mid-range jumper with a minute to go in the game.

But it was not just offensively. On the defensive end we saw a Rondo that looked like the one from his Boston days. Engaging James Harden on a full-court pressure, containing him perfectly and stealing the ball from his hands.

Of course it would have helped if he had connected some three to improve the awful 1-for-5 long-range night he had, but he managed to make a huge impact regardless.

It is not a case that he had his best game of the season in this moment. Against all the adversities, Rondo knows how to best perform on significant times and bring his game to another level. It is not the first time he is given for dead and suddenly changes pace when it most counts.

A player that most people thought should have not been brought back in free agency and on the floor in these playoffs will play a pivotal role in dragging the Los Angeles Lakers deep in the postseason.