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Report: Rajon Rondo wanted to join Lakers before trade to Mavericks

By Sam Richmond

Apr 13, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) between plays during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 109-92. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) between plays during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 109-92. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rajon Rondo was interested in signing with the Los Angeles Lakers prior to being traded to the Dallas Mavericks this season, according to a new report.

The Rajon Rondo era in Dallas is just about over.  Shortly after the Mavericks announced that Rondo would not play on Friday, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that he did not expect the point guard to ever suit up as a Mav again.

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So, the question now is: which team will Rondo play for next?

A speculated destination is obviously the Los Angeles Lakers. Rondo has been linked to Los Angeles because of his strong relationship with Kobe Bryant. Also, the Lakers legend had made it clear that he badly wants Rondo to join him in Los Angeles.

Well, it appears the feeling is mutual (or at least it was a few months ago).

According to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, Rondo was interested in signing with the Lakers prior to being traded to the Mavericks.

"When Rondo realized his run with the Celtics was over this year, he planned to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer, league sources told Yahoo Sports. He expected a maximum contract."

Wojnarowski also writes that Rondo was open to re-signing with the Mavericks following the trade. But that ship has surely sailed. Not solely because the Mavericks don’t want Rondo, but the point guard also doesn’t want to be in Dallas if Carlisle remains the coach, according to the report.

"As long as the coach is back, Rondo’s gone, sources told Yahoo Sports."

The Lakers certainly seem like the most likely option for Rondo. Bryant will obviously push for the move and the Lakers have the flexibility to offer as much money as necessary to sign him.

That could ultimately be a very dangerous move the Lakers. It’s been a long time since Rondo has shown he’s worthy of being paid like one of the better point guards in the league and that’s what he might require.

Rondo’s free-agency will definitely be one of the most interesting storylines of the NBA summer.

Rondo averaged 8.9 points, 7.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game this season.

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