One of the most iconic trades that happened in this offseason was Rajon Rondo returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. The star point guard received a roaring reception from the Lakers fans on his return to the franchise during the preseason opener against the Brooklyn Nets.
While the Lakers lost, Rondo gave the crowd some reasons to cheer as he managed three rebounds and an assist. Other superstars like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook did not feature in this game against the Nets.
Rajon Rondo recently in a conversation with TMZ shared how the emotions got the better of him after a brilliant reception from the fans at the preseason match against the Nets.
The veteran point guard told TMZ, “I almost cried again last night. It means everything. I was away for a year…came back and the reception I got last night, I had to try to focus on the game. The love I got, the attention from the crowd getting back in the game. It was amazing.”
The 35-year-old who won the 2020 NBA Championship with the Lakers plied his trade for Atlanta Hawks and Lakers’ rivals Los Angeles Clippers last season. The Clippers traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies who then waived him in a buyout to join the Purple and Gold army. He has signed a one year contract with the Lakers and will be helping Lebron James and company to regain the NBA Championship after an underwhelming last season.
The Lakers are stacked this season with plenty of veterans all across the court. However, Rondo can be a huge asset for Franck Vogel. The former Boston Celtics man may not be at his best at this stage of his career but still, he can be the primary creator coming off the bench. His presence may allow other important players to take a few more minutes rest, increasing his impact overall. Rondo is supremely talented and has a lot of experience so he is someone whom the management can trust.
While the Lakers have signed a great squad filled with superstars there are questions over their age and general fitness. The front office has gone with players like Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard. Most of the players are in their 30s and hence there are questions over their fitness throughout the season. It will be fantastic if the players can remain healthy throughout the campaign helping the Lakers win another NBA Championship.
