When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Rajon Rondo in July 2018, just days after winning the LeBron James Sweepstakes, he was seen as a steadying veteran presence to guide some of the younger players on the team. Sophomore point guard Lonzo Ball, in particular, was perceived as someone who would benefit from a mentorship from Rondo. 

But another reason why Los Angeles was eager to include the four-time All Star in James’ supporting cast was to see Playoff Rondo. The Lakers had seen Rondo elevate his play in the postseason and had even been on the receiving end of some of those performances in the 2010 NBA Finals. It was finally time for Playoff Rondo to help LeBron and the Lakers. 

It took two years, but in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets, Playoff Rondo finally suited up for the Purple and Gold. After a subpar performance in Game 1, the 34-year old was instrumental in the Lakers’ next three victories before they finished off the Rockets in five games. 

Now, in the Western Conference Finals against a Denver Nuggets team that seems to thrive when their backs are against the wall, the Lakers will need Playoff Rondo to make a few more appearances so they can return to the NBA Finals for the first time in a decade. James and Anthony Davis are expected to show up and put up big number for Los Angeles, but it is Rondo and his contributions on both ends that can make life easier and unleash more of their potential.  

Rajon Rondo, Playoff Rondo, Lakers

Scoring and facilitating

Rondo’s postseason debut for the Lakers was delayed by a right thumb fracture that sidelined him for several weeks, as well as back spasms. In his first game back, he struggled as Los Angeles dropped Game 1 against the Rockets. But since then, he has rewarded Frank Vogel’s trust, making an impact on both ends. Against the Rockets, he averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists while shooting 52.5% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc. This includes a Game 3 performance that saw him drop 21 points and nine assists while shooting 8-of-11 from the field. 

While his Game 3 shooting numbers are unsustainable against the Nuggets, the Lakers will need him to make shots, especially from beyond the arc, which is why his eight made triples against Houston were important. The Rockets often left him wide open on the perimeter, and if he can show that he can knock down shots, it would make Denver’s defense think twice before sending his man to double his teammates.

Having the former champion on the floor also gives the Lakers another facilitator who can ease the burden on LeBron. With Rondo orchestrating their offense, James is free to do other things, whether it’s playing off the ball or getting a precious few minutes of rest on the bench. 

Defense and intangibles

On defense, Rondo will be one of the players with the unenviable task of shadowing Nuggets guard Jamal Murray. The 23-year-old is averaging 27.1 points on 50.0% shooting, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the postseason. He has already scored 40 points or more four times in the playoffs and is coming off a 40-point effort in Game 7 against the Clippers.

Rajon Rondo, Frank Vogel, Lakers

It might be a tough ask for a veteran in his 15th season to stop Murray, but Rondo did well in the previous round against high-level guards. Against the Rockets, he often covered Harden and Russell Westbrook the length of the court, forcing turnovers and playing the passing lanes. If he can pester Murray and make him earn his points, it would be a huge help for a Lakers side that has had problems against athletic guards. 

Despite initially struggling in his return, the Lakers' faith in Rondo never wavered. Vogel said that his impact goes beyond the box score and is measured in “swag” and confidence as one of their leaders. Davis, his former teammate with the New Orleans Pelicans, affirmed his belief in Playoff Rondo, and that the postseason is where “his intensity picks up.” With another talented opponent in their sights, it’s up to Rondo to prove his coach and teammates right and summon more playoff magic to help the Lakers reach the NBA Finals.