As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to open up the 2018-19 NBA season, there is still a lot of competition going on during practice. Whether that competition is for playing time or a starting role, head coach Luke Walton has to be happy with what he's seeing. One of the biggest battles at this point in time is between fellow point guards Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball.
Rondo and Ball are battling to win the starting point guard job for the Lakers. Both players are more than capable of handling the role, but Walton seems likely to start Rondo in the season opener.
According to Ryan Ward of Clutch Points, Walton said that Rondo and Ball have been trash talking each other a lot during practice.
Luke Walton on competition between Lonzo & Rondo (1/2): "It's been great. It's been great everywhere. We switch a lot, so it's not just those two going at each other. We try to preach with this group the idea iron sharpens iron type of thing…" #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 9, 2018
Luke Walton on competition between Lonzo & Rondo (2/2): "They go at each other. A lot of trash talking, but also the group has been great about letting that go as soon as one drill is over into the next drill." #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 9, 2018
There is nothing better for a basketball team than friendly competition. Both players know that they can make a major impact alongside LeBron James in the starting lineup. Each player will also be able to lead the Lakers' second unit when one of them comes off the bench.
While Rondo seems likely to start early in the season, Ball is going to be the future at point guard for the Lakers. Ball has missed quite a bit of time this offseason and may not be up to par from a conditioning standpoint.
Walton has a tough decision to make, but he likely couldn't be happier to see Rondo pushing his second-year point guard as hard as he has been.
Los Angeles is heading into an intriguing season. Having James immediately makes them a contender, but they have a lot of young talent as well. Many think it will take the Lakers a year or two to get to the point where they can compete with the Golden State Warriors.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the point guard position has in store for the Lakers this season. Rondo and Ball are both passionate basketball players and Walton is running out of time to let them battle for the starting job.
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