Fansided

Lakers sign Rajon Rondo because who knows why

ByJeremy Lambert|
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans makes a call during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans makes a call during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Lakers give LeBron the secondary creator he’s always wanted by signing Rajon Rondo to a one-year deal.

Moments after the Los Angeles Lakers renounced the rights of restricted free agent Julius Randle, they immediately spent that money on…Rajon Rondo?

When Randle was renounced, making him an unrestricted free agent, Twitter had about two seconds to believe it was the signaling of a Kawhi Leonard trade or DeMarcus Cousins signing. Then, the Lakers spent $9 million on Rondo.

Rondo had a solid season with the New Orleans Pelicans last year, averaging 8.3 points and 8.2 assists in 65 games. His numbers were even better in the playoffs at 10.3 points and a playoff career high 12.2 assists.

But, umm, what?

Since signing LeBron James on Sunday evening, the Lakers have added Rondo, JaVale McGee, and Lance Stephenson. Plus, they’re bringing back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Any hope that Los Angeles would let the young guys grow next to LeBron is all but out the window. Instead, expect the guys like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma to be part of a potential Leonard trade or other moves. The Lakers are in the “win-now” business, which means adding veterans with playoff experience who LeBron would have to go to war with. Sorry, Lonzo and Kuzma, your manufactured Twitter beef doesn’t count as service time.

Next: Why LeBron’s move to the Lakers does and does not make sense

With Ball still on the team, Rondo appears to be the backup point guard. But if they do end up dealing LaVar’s oldest son, Rondo slides into the starting spot. LeBron longed for a secondary creator in Cleveland. Say what you will about Rondo, but the man gets assists.

Expect the Lakers to have more twos and threes up their sleeve. Dwyane Wade is still available, you know.

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