USA Today via Reuters
Sep 10, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 10, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Rajon Rondo has had a career-changing bubble run. Despite being injured at the start of the playoffs, Rondo has been crucial to the Lakers’ success since. He was the X-Factor that helped LA pull off their Conference Finals win against the Denver Nuggets. He will be hoping to carry that positive momentum forward against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Rondo spoke to Marc J. Spears about how important this bubble run was to him and his family. He is excited to try and win the title again in front of his kids, as they now have a better understanding of basketball. He said, “That is why I am still in this league. Obviously, I am not out here for a check. I want to win. I want that feeling again. … My kids seeing me win at an age where they understand the game now. That is the biggest goal, to win with a great group of guys. You definitely don’t take that for granted.”
Another game, another milestone for @RajonRondo, who passes Scottie Pippen for 8th-most assists in playoff history. pic.twitter.com/NRK0IICp2G
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 25, 2020
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Rondo has been sensational for the Lakers in their last series. By himself, Rondo has broken multiple playoff records, moving up the all-time rankings with each game.
Rajon Rondo: The difference-maker?
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 18, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (9) talks with forward Anthony Davis (center) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left) during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Rondo’s floor IQ is probably unparalleled in the NBA. He has been an elite passer ever since he was a young PG on the Boston Celtics ‘Big Three’. Rondo made that group a big four with his tremendous passing ability. While he struggled with the Lakers last season and through this regular season, ‘Playoff Rondo’ has shown up in a big way.
Rondo has been working perfectly in his role as a secondary ball-handler behind LeBron James, with the two even sharing the floor in crunch-time. He has unlocked LeBron’s other abilities as a finisher. However, Rondo’s biggest impact has been his connection with Anthony Davis.
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Davis and Rondo were teammates in New Orleans, and it is evident that AD has nothing but respect for his teammate. Their connection is almost as special as the connection LeBron has with AD. Rondo may just be the catalyst that allows both LeBron and Davis to be maximized in this final series against the Miami Heat.
