Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting starting lineup and rotation
By Dan Lovi
No. 8: Rajon Rondo
Coming off the bench alongside Hart, Rajon Rondo will add another defensive element to the Lakers’ backcourt. Rondo and Hart could form the best backup defensive backcourt in the NBA. You could argue that the duo would start for some teams in the league.
Rondo brings with him a list of valuable assets along with his defense. He has championship experience, he is a pass-first point guard who gets his teammates involved and he elevates his game in the postseason.
The Lakers are also hoping Rondo will push Lonzo Ball, ultimately making him a better player. Rondo isn’t going to concede the starting job to Ball, but he is also excited about playing alongside him and helping him develop.
.@RajonRondo talks with @geeter3 about how his role as a NBA veteran has evolved and what intrigued him about playing with @KingJames & a young, energetic #Lakers team. pic.twitter.com/M9K8KqCtTl
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) July 6, 2018
A setback to Ball’s knee injury could force Rondo into the starting lineup, which would put the Lakers in a much better situation than they were in last year. Alex Caruso started seven games and Tyler Ennis started 11 last season when Ball was out.
Rondo has been a starter for most of his career, so his development as a role player off the bench will be an intriguing storyline to watch.