Rajon Rondo may be outside the Boston Celtics “Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, but the 6-foot-1 guard was a major component of that short-lived team that was simply a clinic on both ends of the floor and culminated in an immediate championship as well as a series of deep playoff runs including a return to the NBA Finals two years after their title.

Two of their last three opponents during their dominant early run was the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson had a front row seat to the playmaking wizardry of the four-time NBA All-Star, earning his admiration in the process. Which is why it came as no surprise that after agreeing to terms with LeBron James, Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka sent feelers to Rondo‘s camp and quickly scooped up the free agent to a one year, $9 million deal.

The Lakers figureheads showed up on Spectrum SportsNet to express their excitement over the signing, with Johnson going so far as to compare him to a former Lakers great.

“Don’t misunderstand Rondo … he’s just like LeBron when it comes to his mind about basketball. This guy is extremely bright. High basketball IQ, but he reminds me of James Worthy in one way. He plays better the bigger the game in the playoffs. He rises to the occasion. When the playoffs got there, I would just look at James, and he’d be having a look on his face like he’s ready to kill. Oh, I’m feeding you, big fella. And James took over the playoffs for the Lakers. It’s the same thing (with) Rondo. You see his numbers during the regular season? Good. But in the playoffs? Great. So we’re excited to have him.”

It's hard to say if the Worthy comparison Johnson made is more extreme than calling Rondo the “best all-around point guard,” but it's consistent with how high he holds the stat-stuffing facilitator in high regard.

Rondo is expected to back up Lonzo Ball and has already been reportedly requesting game film that he may review. One thing is for certain: Assists are not going to be in short supply at Staples Center with these two around.