The Los Angeles Lakers headed into NBA free agency this summer with no plans to pursue big-name players available on the open market. The team intends to go all out next year with players like Paul George and LeBron James set to become available.
That being said, the Lakers have been very quiet in the first two days of free agency. The team hasn’t made a move other than to part ways with Tarik Black by waiving the forward/center.
Although it has been unusually quiet in comparisons to the last few years, the Lakers brass appear to be giving serious consideration to signing veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne:
Lakers obviously hanging back at start of free agency, but one player they continue to give strong consideration to is Rajon Rondo
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2017
Ever since being traded by the Boston Celtics back in December of 2014, Rondo has bounced around the league a bit. Rondo’s short stint with the Dallas Mavericks was a disaster as he fell off the map in terms of being considered one of the best point guards in the league.
Fortunately, after leaving the Mavericks, Rondo was about to bounce back with the Sacramento Kings. Rondo averaged a double-double in his one season with the Kings and agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls last year to play alongside Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler.
Rondo’s minutes in Chicago dipped considerably, but he still played well in the time given on the floor. The veteran’s performance in the first round of the NBA playoffs was impressive as he changed the series for the Bulls putting tremendous pressure on the top-seeded Celtics.
Unfortunately, Rondo’s season came to an end due to a broken thumb and Chicago lost any hope of advancing. The Bulls lost four straight games, and Rondo’s value was evident.
As for the Lakers, targeting Rondo is interesting as he is not the shooter that the team was said to be pursuing. However, he is a leader and a pass-first point guard that could help mentor rookie Lonzo Ball as a backup for Los Angeles.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Lakers sign Rondo to a one or two-year deal with an option. It could be the biggest move the team makes in the offseason. The team will likely continue to search for a veteran shooter to give the squad some more firepower on the perimeter.
