The love affair between Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Rajon Rondo continues, as the two former rivals are enjoying being on the same team after battling each other for so many years.

James and Rondo are two of the brightest minds to have ever played the game. On both sides of the ball, the two future Hall of Famers can see a play before it happens and help their teammates by being vocal.

James and Rondo will undoubtedly be the key cogs for the Lakers' defense this season, and it will start with Rondo, who will be tasked to slow down elite point guard after elite point guard in the rugged Western Conference night after night. Rondo will surely be up to the task, but James says it's his job to have Rondo's back if players are able to get past his point guard on the perimeter.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on LeBron James’ ‘no bag’ mic dropJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic seen putting in offseason work in the gymRexwell Villas ·
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 "Triple White", Kobe Bryant, Nike Air Force 1
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ release detailsDominik Zawartko ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James reacts to Jamie Foxx’s big BET Awards nightJosh Davis ·

“You try to be the second line of defense behind him,” James said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “I try to be the Derrick Brooks to his Warren Sapp, he is the guy right there in the front and he is going to get in there and then if guys are able to break the first line, I try to be that Derrick Brooks right there, that second line of defense. Or that Ray Lewis to the Ed Reed. So at the end of the day, we want to protect each other. With Rondo being the point of attack, it is my job as the safety or linebacker to protect him.”

Rondo has been a pest on the defensive end throughout his 12-year career, while James is one of the best shot blockers at the small forward position. The Lakers have a really young team outside of James and Rondo. It's going to be interesting to see how this season plays out. There will definitely be a lot of growing pains in Los Angeles this year, but with James and Rondo as the leaders, the ship should be stable for the most part.