NBA free agent point guard Rajon Rondo bid farewell to the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday afternoon, in a touching post on Instagram, that seemed to confirm rumors he would not be returning to the club.
“Thank you to the Lakers organization, Jeanie and Rob for giving me the opportunity to play for an incredible franchise” Rondo wrote. “Being apart of #LakeShow was something special and I’m proud we brought it back to you!
Now, what’s next…”
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With Rondo receiving ample interest in the free agent market, there had been doubts that the Lakers could match any potential salary offers he might receive. Following Los Angeles' trade for former Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder last week, there had been speculation that it marked the end of Rondo's tenure with the club, though nothing had been explicitly said by either side until the guard's post Saturday.
While it is still unclear exactly where Rondo will ultimately end up, the Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a serious contender to sign him, according to reporting from the New York Times' Marc Stein. With ESPN's Frank Isola previously saying Atlanta would offer him a two-year $15 million deal, there has remained speculation that Rondo would prefer to remain in LA and accept the Clippers' offer of the mid-level exception.
Despite offering less financial security than the Hawks' contract offer—in both years and money—the decision to remain in Los Angeles would allow the point guard to avoid having to move, while still allowing him to play for a team that is expected to contend.
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