The new-look Los Angeles Lakers suffered their first loss of the season on opening night against the Portland Trail Blazers. There were a couple of bright spots throughout the contest, but ultimately, it was evident the team still has a long way to go before they are able to establish themselves as serious contenders in the overly competitive Western Conference.

Following the 128-119 defeat at the hands of Damian Lillard and co., Lakers starting point guard Rajon Rondo had some choice words about his new team. Speaking to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, the veteran compared the team's forthcoming journey to that of school teachers.

“We got to be patient like teachers are,” Rondo said. “Every student learns differently. Everyone is on their own pace. We have to learn guys’ strengths and weaknesses and we have to play to it.”

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Rondo hit it right on the nail here. With an overhauled side, the Lakers will inevitably experience some growing pains along the way. Patience, especially from experienced vets such as Rondo, will be key in the development of the team as well as the handful of the Lakers' young and promising talents.

Rondo was brought in to the Lakers to do exactly this. He is expected to act as a mentor and share his wealth of basketball knowledge to the team's younger players. Rondo is also going to be tasked to take Lonzo Ball, the team's point guard of the future, under his wing and help the 20-year-old develop into the superstar he is destined to be.

It's going to be a long and difficult road ahead, and surely, there will be tests along the way. It's great that Rondo has imbibed this mindset at the onset, and hopefully, his optimism rubs off on the rest of the team.