The Los Angeles Lakers' coaching hunt is not just for a new head honcho. While JJ Redick and James Borrego have been big names in contention to guide the Anthony Davis-led squad, there are other individuals with super high basketball IQs gunning for the spot. One of them played for the rival Boston Celtics but eventually found his way to the Cleveland Cavaliers system and then joined LeBron James on the team from Hollywood afterward. He goes by the name of Rajon Rondo.
Another bright mind for the Lakers
Rajon Rondo is in serious consideration to be a Lakers assistant coach, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. This former LeBron James teammate is largely known for his passing acumen and playmaking chops. It was evident when he became the facilitator for a Celtics team hunting their 17th banner all the way to a Lakers squad who was doing the same.
Rajon Rondo already knows the structure of the Lakers system. He has dealt with the guys in the front office and ownership before. So, bridging the gap between their visions and bringing them to life by utilizing Anthony Davis along with the rest of the squad through schemes might be easier for him. Not to mention, he already knew how to navigate passing lanes, read plays, and come up with something on the fly whenever they incurred a broken play during his playing days.
All of this adds up to what could be a good coaching career. However, the main drawback that the Lakers have to endure is that he has no experience in this field quite yet. If the Lakers do proceed to land JJ Redick, they will have two of the brightest minds in all of basketball. But, these two are going to do all of this for the very first time. Rondo has been very vocal about schemes and exhibits his acumen for high-level basketball well whenever he makes a podcast appearance. So, he could be worth the gamble.
How good was Rajon Rondo?
He was a generational floor general who could read all types of coverages. Rondo was not just a point guard who shouted directions before crossing the top of the key. Throughout his time from the Celtics to the Lakers, he danced against tough defenses to direct traffic and get multiple guys open. This got him four seasons where he averaged more than 11 assists per game. More impressively, Rondo has never recorded less than four dimes on a nightly basis outside of his rookie year.
The two-time champion and four-time all-star is not just great at picking apart defenses. He is also good at playing guys who are way taller than him and outside shooters who are shifty with their movements. All of this makes for a perfect fit with the roster that the Lakers already have. This squad played with a lot of pace and did well on defense. It was all before they got shut down by the Denver Nuggets.
Now, JJ Redick or the next head coach can work with him to upgrade their halfcourt sets and make the Lakers better when their plays get shattered mid-shot clock.
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