Rajon Rondo’s Biggest Contribution to the Lakers is His ‘Swag,’ Not Points or Assists https://t.co/zs7KAXFlBj
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 7, 2020
Rondo’s Biggest Contribution to the Lakers is His ‘Swag!’
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September 7, 2020 7 Comments
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There finally may be a starting lineup without JaVale McGee that Lakers’ head coach Frank Vogel might accept, especially considering McGee’s possible injury. Playoff Rondo replacing JaVale McGee in the starting lineup for Game 3. Pray for it!
Aloha Tom,
I was as impressed as you were with Rondo, but I still think his greatest value for this term is running the show when LeBron rests. Plus he just returned and they are monitoring his minutes. I want Frank to maximize those minutes resting LeBron. There will still be plenty of minutes with LeBaron when AD rests and of course Minutes have to saved be for crunch time as well.
I totally disagree, Michael. Rondo is better with LeBron. Check these 5-player lineups for Game 2 in the link in my above featured article. The four lineups that had positive net ratings for the Lakers in yesterday’s games were all lineups with Rondo playing WITH LeBron James. All the lineups with Rondo without LeBron had negative net ratings.
As for minutes, JaVale never logged more than 15 minutes so Rondo even on reduced minutes should start so he can optimize time with LeBron. The key is LeBron becomes the go-to scorer in attack mode when Rondo is on the floor and the Lakers do a better job pushing the ball for transition baskets.
Tom, I just want to say a few words about Rondo whose experience and value to the team have been important yet underappreciated by many fans. Until last night, all I keep hearing from fans is how poorly he plays, especially on the analytic side of it.
The truth is when too many people sound off on Rondo as a bad fit on the court continually, or keep saying negative things about him, it will have the adverse effect of sticking on many other people’s mind who then become pessimists rather than being informed or knowledgeable. Eventually, many will hate him without much reasoning. Some will outright give up on him for whatever reason, tangible or not.
Throughout the years, for as long as I have seen Rondo play, I have always respected his invaluable generalship on the court. Last night was one of them and hopefully he will give us fans a chance to be optimistic for the rest of the series.
The Lakers could certainly use his experience.
Here’s a thought, Buba. Maybe LeBron and AD know more than we fans do.
You are right, Tom. In fact they both have nothing but positive things to say about him.
Sure can get under the skin of Westy and Harden!