Despite what many perceived to be a tumultuous rivalry between Rajon Rondo and LeBron James during the first half of the 2010s, the two have grown to be extremely fond of one another.
Of course, that bond was molded through the fire, especially when they, alongside Anthony Davis, played pivotal roles in leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 NBA title.
Although Rondo wasn’t the star-caliber of a point guard that he was when he was a part of those Boston teams that frequently opposed James’ Cavaliers and Heat teams, he was a quality contributor to that championship-winning Lakers team with averages of 8.9 points, 6.6 assists and four rebounds.
That following offseason, Rondo left the Lakers for the Hawks and then subsequently found his way to the Clippers. Now, he’s back with the Lakers and he is grateful to James and Davis for making that happen.
Over the course of his career, Rondo has been recognized as an intelligent and skilled playmaker, he’s also been regarded as a difficult team player and hard-to-coach. This reputation reared its head in most of Rondo’s previous stops and might have been a hindrance in him landing anywhere other than Los Angeles with the Lakers.
Lakers: LeBron and Anthony Davis helped bring Rajon Rondo to LA
During his time at the podium at the Lakers’ media day, Rondo made mention that he probably wouldn’t be on the team if “Bron and AD didn’t vouch” for him. He made sure to express his appreciation to them via text, he said.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, part of Rondo’s reason for returning to the Lakers was to run it back and not only get another championship but also get the parade that eluded them due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions at the time they won in 2020.
When the four-time All-Star heard that James and Davis missed him last season, Rondo got comically emotional.
Now, Rondo wants to make up for lost time.