“Kawhi Leonard is Not a Leader”: Former NBA Champion Details Why Clippers Need Rajon Rondo

The Los Angeles Clippers were expected to become the 2020 NBA Champions. However, they couldn’t even make it to the Western Conference Finals, blowing a 3-1 lead in the Western Semis.

The most daunting reason for their failure were the poor performances by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Game 7. But the Clippers had a long-lasting issue that was exposed in the postseason. They lacked a pure point guard who can be the floor general for them.

The Clippers have realized this flaw and want to acquire Rajon Rondo this offseason. NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins gave his insights about how good this move could turn out for the franchise.

“Steve Ballmer and Lawrence Frank, if you knew better you’d do better. You’ll be at Rondo front door. The Clippers are missing a leader. Kawhi Leonard is not a leader, he’s a hell of a basketball player but he’s not a leader. When you look at him, when he played with the Raptors, Kyle Lowry was the leader.

“… When I looked in the bubble and I watched the Clippers play, Kawhi Leonard had to do too much… You need a guy like Rajon Rondo, who’s the ultimate floor general that could get guys into their spots. He puts the key in guys back… They need Rajon Rondo like old people need soft shoes.”

Rondo averaged only 8.9 points per game in the playoffs, which might not look very great on the box score. But Rondo’s leadership skills and basketball IQ are unparalleled, which is something the LA Clippers are missing right now.

Can the Los Angeles Clippers convince Rondo to join them?

After a terrific 2020 championship run, many rumors suggest he is expected to opt-out of his player option. However, it is not a clear indication of him being unhappy with the Lakers. After his prime Celtics years, Rondo never found a big payday in the league.

Right now, his value is pretty high in the market and this stunt could just mean getting more money from the Lakers. If Rondo gets a desirable contract, there is not much reason for him to leave the purple and gold.

What do you think? Will Rajon Rondo leave the Lakers for the other team in LA?