Los Angeles Lakers: Rajon Rondo Chase Ends For Now
By Chris Walton
The Los Angeles Lakers finally are showing signs of life regarding their attempt at bringing the team back to the forefront of the NBA. With Kobe Bryant and Rajon Rondo shooting the breeze in Boston several days ago, the team was destined to be tied to rumors regarding Rondo’s acquisition. Tonight, the deal was sealed, and Rondo has found a new team this season, and it will not be the Purple and Gold of Staples Center.
Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported Rondo’s move to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Brandan Wright, Jameer Nelson, Jae Crowder and draft picks.
The Lakers attempted to make a move of their own to acquire Rondo, but their deal was not as enticing as Mark Cuban and Co. compiled. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne provided the details of the Lakers deal:
Adding to @ESPNSteinLine report on Rondo from yesterday. Sources tell ESPN the Lakers also offered Boston multiple picks & Nash for Rondo
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) December 18, 2014
Granted, the step taken was met with no acquisition, but to hear the team in talks on the trade market is a great sign. The Lakers are reaching and grabbing for some form of foundation to start their rebuild. As of now, the team’s turnaround is masked by Kobe Bryant fighting Father Time, with Lakers legend and head coach Byron Scott by his side. The prospect of those two variables are keeping fans engaged for now, but of course Lakers Nation is waiting for the day of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy again.
What fans should consider in the Lakers’ failed attempt at luring Rondo to Los Angeles is that it was truly a blessing in disguise. It’s extremely vital that the Lakers keep as many draft picks as possible. Judging from this summer’s pursuit of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, players are ensuring that they aren’t leaning on the lure of history or the big stage that the Lakers can offer.
At that point, you have to look to get talent through the NBA Draft. Why should the team gut their assets to pursue a player that could possibly leave in free agency next season? The Lakers would be looking at another Dwight Howard fiasco again. Despite dumping Andrew Bynum, the team will be giving up first and second round picks in the 2015 and 2017 NBA Draft. Both those selections could easily be quality players or just more assets that the Lakers could have maintained for the future.
It’s also important to note that the Lakers are still taking a smart approach to Rondo’s situation. Who is to say that his time in Dallas will be the success that many are predicting? Quite like Howard in Los Angeles, coming to the Mavericks may build unrealistic expectations. Despite the season being well into 20 games, the team will need to build chemistry and all of the good stuff that makes for a great storyline when stars join other stars.
Ultimately, the Lakers are not sitting on their hands as much as many thought. The team is clearly treading the market, and are making it known that they are a willing trade partner. The team doesn’t have many assets, but the few they possess can catch the eyes of the right team. Rondo is away for now, and he will see how things play out in Dallas. The Lakers will still carefully monitor his situation, and if things don’t go so well, they will show up with the money bags this summer.