Lakers Re-Sign Rondo
If anyone was in any doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to rebuild in their push to wrestle back the NBA title then this latest deal, to re-sign veteran Rajon Rondo is further proof of their ongoing efforts.
2019-20 saw the Lakers win their first NBA title in a decade but last term things didn’t pan out that well, a decidedly average regular season was followed by a limp first round playoff exit to the Suns.
However general manager Rob Pelinka has been moving heaven and earth to give Frank Vogel’s roster as much of a chance of getting back in the race, with the likes of Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony having made moves to the Staples Center in recent weeks.
The move to bring in veterans is clearly a short-term solution but it’s one that may well pay dividends and the odds offered with the Bovada sportsbook are tempting enough to make a solid wager. You can currently get (+350) on LeBron James and co waltzing to a title, indeed only the Brooklyn Nets are lower odds at present, showing that many expect the Lakers to challenge this coming season.
Rondo left the Lakers back at the end of the 2019-20 season, moving to the Atlanta Hawks before moving once more to join the L.A Clippers. The 35-year-old was then traded to the Memphis Grizzlies before pitching up back in California.
The experienced star spent two previous seasons with the Lakers, winning his second NBA ring in 2020. Rondo had previously won a title back in 2008 with the Boston Celtics and brings a wealth of grit and determination that could make him a very useful addition to Vogel’s roster.
Rondo joins on a one-year deal and is yet another ageing member of Vogel’s plans, but the Lakers coach doesn’t necessarily see this as an issue, stating;
“Age does equal experience,” Vogel said. “IQ and intelligence help you win, and in terms of motivation, the motivation for us is that trophy, not what people are saying. This group is highly driven to get back on top and I don’t really think about anything about what anybody says about our age. But I do agree that the experience will be necessary and help us win.”
This coming season will be Rondo’s 16th in the NBA and he, along with James, Westbrook, Howard, Anthony and Marc Gasol were all in the 2012 All-Star team, which goes some way to show the mature nature of Vogel’s set-up.
Rondo isn’t past his best though, indeed last season he produced his best 3pt shooting stats.
While throwing money, or indeed stars, at the problem isn’t the most subtle way of bridging the gap between where the Lakers are and where they want to be, it is sure to keep their fans happy, just so long as the collection of veteran talents equals a better record than the 42-30 that they ended the regular season with last time around.