What does it really take to make it to the NBA? Having a famous father might open doors, but only relentless grind keeps them open. Take Stephen Curry, for example – he reportedly puts up 500 shots a day, adding up to thousands over the year. That dedication paved the way for his historic 4,000 three-pointers and counting. Clearly, there’s no shortcut to success. And if there’s anyone who understands that, it seems to be former Los Angeles Lakers star Rajon Rondo.

The 4x All-Star isn’t just watching things transpire from the sidelines – he’s making sure his 13-year-old son, Pierre Rondo (aka Rajon Rondo Jr.), embraces that same work ethic. For those unaware, Rondo Jr. is the son of Rondo Sr. and his former partner, Ashley Bachelor. The ex-Laker shared two kids with her: a daughter named Ryelle and the son in discussion, Rondo Jr.

Chris Johnson, a trainer known for working with elite NBA players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, and Chris Paul, shared a video of Rondo Jr’s rigorous training. “Point guard Reads breakdown 🧠 @rajonrondo & @pierrerondo_2 … Details: DRIBBLE HANDOFF/ HOLD OFF / 2 FOOT LEFT HAND FLOATERS… Nothing better than a little competition… Like Father, Like son.. Pierre is next up,” Johnson captioned the post.

In the clip, Rondo Jr. grinds through multiple drills, perfecting his left-handed floaters and learning how to create space against defenders. The endless reps? A clear sign of a future pro in the making. And it’s not just the sessions: Some have witnessed Rondo Jr.’s game proficiency during his matchups. Courtside Films shared one such clip. The now 13-year-old could be seen sinking in some three-pointers, however, it was his drives to the basket that stole the spotlight.

Clearly, that “like father, like son” part from Johnson’s IG caption says it all. Rondo is surely hoping his son surpasses his own legacy—but even if Pierre just matches it, that would be something special. Especially considering the arguable GOAT of the NBA once called Rondo the best player he ever played with.

“Lucky to get to team up”:  LeBron James had the highest level of praise for Rajon Rondo

Rondo officially called it a career last year, closing the book on an incredible 16-season journey in the NBA. Though he hadn’t played since the 2021-22 season, it wasn’t until 2024 that he made things official.

For fans who followed his career, Rondo’s rise in the league was something special. He entered the NBA in 2006-07 with the Boston Celtics, and just a year later, he was already making a name for himself as a starter. That 2008 Celtics squad was a powerhouse, and Rondo played a crucial role in their championship run, helping them take down the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

Fast forward a decade, and Rondo found himself in an unexpected place – wearing purple and gold. Signing with the Lakers in 2018 might have seemed odd given his history in Boston, but he made the most of it. By 2020, he had pulled off a rare feat, winning a championship with both the Celtics and their fiercest rivals. His ability to dictate pace, facilitate plays, and step up in big moments was a game–changer for L.A. 

No wonder that LeBron James, who shared the court with Rondo during that title run, spoke really highly of him. “One of the best players I ever played with,” James said upon Rajon’s retirement. “Obviously, his IQ was out of this world. I was very lucky to get to team up with him… ‘Do always talked about if he ever teamed up with me, he knew we could win a championship. And we did that.” Now, that same elite basketball IQ is being passed down to his son, Pierre, who is showing early signs of following in his father’s footsteps.

Now, to be directly trained under a player like that and that too rigorous, repetitive training, further helmed by a coach like Chris Johnson, the future looks bright for Rajon Rondo’s 13-year-old son. But the road to the NBA is ruthless. Will he rise above the pressure and carve his legacy, or will his father’s name always loom over him?