Rajon Rondo to return to former team following buyout
Rajon Rondo is returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. After agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, the two-time NBA Champion will rejoin LeBron James in Los Angeles.
“Rondo will clear waivers on Monday and will likely be signed to fill one of the final available roster spots with the Lakers, sources tell ESPN,” tweeted Adrian Wojnarowski.
In 2020, the former Kentucky point guard helped deliver a championship to the Lakers. En route to a championship, Rondo averaged 7.1 points and 5.0 assists per game for his team.
Afterwards, Rondo signed with the Atlanta Hawks for the following season. Alas, he didn’t stay long, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through the season.
Then, on August 16, 2021, Rondo was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Evidently, he’ll be a speck in the history of the Grizzlies, as the two sides quickly agreed to a buyout.
“Keep that same narrative ENERGY when it begins!”
While the Lakers have a talented team, the addition of Rondo only gives critics of the team’s advanced age more ammo. This offseason alone, the Lakers have added Russell Westbrook (32), Dwight Howard (35), Trevor Ariza (36) and Carmelo Anthony (37).
Of course, Rondo is no spring chicken either. Additionally, the Lakers point guard turned 35 this past February.
Following the bevy of offseason additions, the 36-year old James took to Twitter to fireback at the critics.
“Keep talking about my squad,” James wrote on Twitter.
“Our personnel ages, the way he plays, he stays injured, we’re past our time in this league, etc etc etc. Do me one favor PLEASE!!!! And I mean PLEASE!!! Keep that same narrative ENERGY when it begins! That’s all I ask. #ThankYou”
While nobody should count out the Lakers this season, there offseason strategy has certainly gone against the grain. Still, Rajon Rondo brings another quality veteran who will make LeBron James’ team better.