Los Angeles Lakers: A Suitor For Rajon Rondo?

There are a lot of questions about the point guard position for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially going into the future. The roster includes point guards Steve Nash, Jeremy Lin, and rookie Jordan Clarkson.

While drafting Clarkson as a combo guard, the Lakers must still focus on assembling a competitive roster as Kobe Bryant makes his last dash towards championship glory. In order to do so, they must add pieces that will elevate them into immediate elite status.

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Nash and Lin are entering the final year of their contract, with Nash likely retiring while Lin hopes to return to Los Angeles.

Enter Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. With rumblings regarding a trade request for years, ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan said that the 10-year veteran has asked to be moved, and won’t re-sign with Boston next year in free agency.

Rondo’s camp has since denied the request and made it clear that he wants to remain with the team. With the addition of Marcus Smart and being far removed from a playoff team, the Celtics are heading for a rebuild.

Being one of the NBA’s most competitive players, Rondo is likely looking to find a team that can get him back in the postseason.

As mentioned, Rondo is entering his contract year like Lin and Nash. Rondo signed his five-year, $55 million deal in 2009. His next deal may be one of the last big contracts of his career, and he may ask for more money than Danny Ainge is willing to shell out.

Recovering from an ACL tear, Rondo is still working to gain his all-star form, presenting the biggest obstacle for Celtic commitment. If Rondo truly doesn’t want to re-sign in Boston, Ainge must secure the best possible deal now, or at the trade deadline.

Despite lacking assets of interest outside of Julius Randle, the Lakers can piece together an intriguing package. Likely, Boston will desire deals with financial flexibility and more draft picks to add to the many that Danny Ainge has cleverly acquired.

Los Angeles does have both, in the form of expiring contracts and first and second rounds picks in the 2015 NBA Draft (acquired from the Houston Rockets in the Jeremy Lin trade). Let’s take a look at two possible deals that Mitch Kupchak can swing towards Boston:

Steve Nash, Ryan Kelly, and a 2015 First Rounder

• At this point in his career, Nash’s value comes in the form of his contract. His $9.7 million deal will come off of the Celtics’ books next year if they can take him on. He could also serve as a mentor to younger guards Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley. Ryan Kelly is an intriguing second-year player. He is a traditional stretch forward (6’10) with a great shooting stroke and feel for the game. He can prove to be a good piece for their young core. A first round pick is another valuable piece for finding a solid player in next year’s draft.

Jordan Hill, 2015 First and Second Rounder

• Jordan Hill is a true banger at the PF/C position. He brings energy and effort with every minute he is given. Hill could be a serviceable piece for the Celtics while they try to improve in the next few years. With a two-year deal worth $18 million (team option for second year), Hill also has a nice contract that could create cap-space next season. The addition of the Lakers two picks would sweeten the pot for Boston. They get a chance to add other young players with their new core.

Ultimately, losing Rondo would be a major setback for the Celtics, but it would mean progression towards a brighter future. His absence allows Marcus Smart to take on the lead guard role, and strengthens their draft position for next season.

The most important compensation for a Rondo deal, would be the Celtics acquiring some worth rather than losing him for nothing in free agency. Rondo could possibly commit to Los Angeles for a preferred contract, and be paired with Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, and maybe a 2015 free agent like Marc Gasol or DeAndre Jordan.

The prospects of this possibility seem far off, but it bodes better for a player looking to chase a championship and a big payday. Both seem unlikely in Boston, as it stands.