The Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran guard Rajon Rondo last summer, hoping that he would be able to contribute to the team's success because of his leadership and playoff excellence.
However, the Lakers are most likely going to miss the postseason for the sixth straight year, despite the fact that they also brought in four-time MVP LeBron James.
The purple and gold are currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 30-34 record. They are 2-5 since the All-Star break and are now 5.5 games behind the San Antonio Spurs for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
Statistically, LeBron has been getting his usual numbers, but as the team continues to pile up losses, his ability to lead the Lakers has been questioned.
Aside from LeBron, Rondo has been doing his part to try to lead the Lakers, and according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the one-time champion has been able to do his part well:
This roster has, at times, lacked secondary leadership, and Rondo has been arguably the lone veteran outside of James capable of challenging everyone on the roster. “One thing about Rondo is, he doesn’t care who it is, he’ll stand up and lead anyone,” one source with knowledge of the Lakers’ dynamics said. “And he’s won.”
Rondo showed the capability to be a leader for a young team during his brief stints with the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans, so it should be no surprise to anyone that he has been able to do the same with the Lakers.
However, this hasn't saved the Lakers from faltering on the court, and they continue to look for answers.
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