Rondo Rejoins Lakers in Undisclosed Deal, Leaving Clippers

Rajon Rondo (9) with the Chicago Bulls in 2017
Rajon Rondo (9) with the Chicago Bulls in 2017. Photo by Stephen Lew/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (8587733q)

Los Angeles Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka announced that the team has signed Rajon Rondo from the LA Clippers. This marks the veteran’s return to the franchise after departing for the Atlanta Hawks in 2019.

Rondo appeared in a combined 45 games for the Hawks and the Clippers last season, averaging 5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 17.1 minutes. What’s more, he achieved 40.4 percent shooting accuracy from a three-point range.

During his previous tenure with the Lakers, Rondo achieved in more impressive results, averaging 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He made 94 appearances for the Lakers over two seasons, helping them lift the 2020 NBA Championship trophy.

Rondo believes that the LA Lakers have a strong chance of recapturing their 2020 glory this season, explaining: ‘Wisdom is definitely key to winning a championship. We have a lot of that, obviously, with the age and experience on the court.”

While previously the most experienced player on the team, Rondo is now the fifth oldest on the roster behind Carmelo Anthony (37), LeBron James (36), Marc Gasol (36), Trevor Ariza (36) and Dwight Howard (35).