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Los Angeles Lakers: Rotation changes to make to beat Houston

By Joel Lorenzi

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Rondo has to be eased into the rotation, not forced

Rajon Rondo showed in Game 1 why you simply can’t play him so much time as soon as he returns. In 25 minutes, Rondo struggled to serve his main purpose: facilitate. While he had his flashes defensively, they were far outweighed by his unpleasant offense.

The Rockets guarded him just as they did Dort last round,  leaving him wide open almost every time he caught the ball along the perimeter. But, Rondo shoots at a smaller clip, so its something that the Rockets won’t lose a minute of sleepover. The shots he threw up were disruptive, and often times when he attempted to make plays he’d throw away lead passes.

Rondo did manage to have a pretty good Game 2, dishing out nine assists and being a +28 in 29 minutes of action. Despite a good game though, the “Playoff Rondo” moniker still feels like an old myth in 2020. While he managed to pick up the pieces from Game 1, this isn’t a guaranteed nightly stat line.

Playing Rondo 30 minutes in any scenario isn’t a good idea. Rondo should be the guy leading the offense when James isn’t in the game. Vogel has made the mistake of playing them side by side in extensive stretches. This makes Rondo virtually useless.

Off the ball, Rondo doesn’t provide much. It only allows for opposing players to more easily help on Rondo’s teammates, and it makes it much easier to defend Anthony Davis, as Rondo’s defender can simply help or double while living with him putting up a jumper.

If Rondo is going to see minutes, it should be closer to 20 minutes, and should mostly be while James sits. Playing Rondo 30 minutes also takes away minutes from a guy Vogel has neglected.

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