The 5 most underrated Los Angeles Lakers of the 21st century

By Eric Hirsch | May 26, 2021

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

Most underrated Los Angeles Lakers of the 21st century: 4) Rajon Rondo

Many Laker fans may remember the pain Rondo inflicted upon the Lakers as a member of the 2008 Boston Celtics. Well, Rondo did his very best to alleviate any lingering hard feelings with his stellar performance in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, this time as a valued member of the Lake Show.

The former All-Star point guard with the well-deserved nickname, “Playoff Rondo,” served as an exceptional sidekick to LeBron and AD in the Lakers’ 2020 championship campaign.

A terrific floor general and creative passer, Rondo averaged 6.6 assists per game in the last year’s postseason while committing only 2.1 turnovers. He also shot 40 percent on his three-point attempts, which meant opposing defenders couldn’t reliably double off him.

While his stint as a Laker lasted less than two years, Rondo’s contributions to the 2020 title will not be soon forgotten. That is unless he helps the wrong LA team to their first-ever title in 2021.

2020 Playoff Averages: 8.9 PPG, 4.3 REB, 6.6 AST, 1.4 STL, .400 3FG%

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