Rajon Rondo has won the buyout of the Memphis Grizzlies, something that authorities and some NBA teams have been waiting for. But according to reports, perhaps no other team is more happy with this development than the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 35-year-old guard will clear the exemption on Monday after agreeing to a contract buyout with Memphis. ESPNAdrian Wojnarowski and Shams Chalanya Report, citing unnamed sources.
According to NBA insiders, once this happens, Rondo, who played for the Lakers from 2018 to 2020, is expected to be signed by the team to fill one of its last available roster. The International Business Times was unable to independently verify this information.
Rondo won his second NBA championship in his career with the Lakers in 2020. Considering the position of the point guard is a problem they have been trying to solve since last season, his veteran leadership is something the Lakers can make good use of.
The Lakers can only provide Rondo with a minimum wage for a veteran because they have exceeded the luxury tax line. Even at the age of 35, it is undeniable that Rondo will be another major acquisition in the lineup that has already piled up.
Already working in the Lakers backcourt are Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Kent Baezmore, Talen Horton-Tucker, Malik Munk and Wayne Ellington . Adding Rondo may be a strange choice, especially when considering playing time.
In any case, the chance of winning another championship with the Lakers makes sense for Rondo. At this point, the four-time All-Star man may want an NBA ring before ending his legendary professional basketball career.
Assuming the Lakers and Rondo lock in to reunite, it might close the door to other players who have been trying to get a place on the team.
Isaiah Thomas, Darren Collison and Mike James were tried out on the Lakers, hoping to seize one of the remaining vacancies.
There are also talks about Jeremy Lamb of the Indiana Pacers. However, only when the Pacers agree to the buyout first can Lamb’s trade progress.
Among these names, Thomas was chosen as the person who may be hit hardest.Jon Klauczynski Sports meeting Mentioned that the 32-year-old guard seems to be about to sign, but Rondo’s buyout may inhibit the chance of the two-time All-Star.
Photo: Getty Images | Mike Elman
