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.
Consider the unprecedented challenge NBA teams and players are going to confront in these playoffs, with games played in a bubble in the middle of a pandemic with no fans or home court advantage after a three-month delay. These are conditions where championship confidence, experience, and savvy prevail, when those who’ve been there before, know how to focus on the moment, handle the pressure, and live up to to the expectations win.
This year’s playoffs are not a crazy, anything-can-happen, March Madness tournament where wild card outcomes and surprise upsets are going to dominate the day and untested underdogs have unexpected advantages. These playoffs are going to be a gruelling, taxing second season played under extraordinary conditions that favor poised, focused, motivated, experienced veteran teams and players with the will and skill to prevail.