Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Podcasts > 2018-19 Lakers Season Preview: Will Rajon Rondo Be The Mentor Lonzo Ball Needs?
Podcasts

2018-19 Lakers Season Preview: Will Rajon Rondo Be The Mentor Lonzo Ball Needs?

Trevor Lane
Published: 09/10/2018
3 Min Read
SHARE

The Los Angeles Lakers brought in a number of veteran free agents this summer to join LeBron James on the new-look roster, including veteran point guard Rajon Rondo.

SHOP NOW: CHECK OUT THE LATEST MERCH ????????????

With starting guard Lonzo Ball dealing with injury issues last season and undergoing knee surgery during the summer, the Lakers prioritized bringing in a capable floor general who could step into the starting lineup in a pinch.

The decision to sign Rondo certainly raised eyebrows around the league. In the past, the playbook for building a team around James called for plenty of shooters, which doesn’t describe Rondo.

While he can dish with the best of them, Rondo is largely ignored by defenses on the perimeter, though his three-point shooting has actually crept up to respectable levels over the past few seasons.

For the Lakers, Rondo will need to prove that he can be effective enough shooting the ball to keep defenses honest. It also certainly wouldn’t hurt if the move to Los Angeles re-ignites his defensive skills, which used to be among some of the very best in the NBA.

Of course, while Rondo may not be the sniper and floor spacer that James-led teams tend to have, he is still one of the best playmakers in the league. The Lakers prioritized finding players who could create opportunities for others and make decisions on the fly, something James hasn’t had in the last few years.

The hope is that surrounding him with players like Rondo will take some of the offensive burden off of James. Rondo is also expected to act as a mentor to the young Lakers, with Ball, in particular, being the one who stands to benefit the most from playing alongside a crafty veteran.

Can Rondo become a mentor for these young Lakers or will his sometimes difficult personality create friction? Check out our full preview in the video above.

Are you following us on Instagram? We’ve changed our handle to @LakersNationOfficial! Find us on Facebook at @LakersNation, and on Twitter @LakersNation.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles LakersRajon Rondo
ByTrevor Lane
Trevor Lane is a longtime NBA and Los Angeles Lakers fan who had the good fortune to grow up during the glory days of the Showtime Lakers, when Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and the rest ruled the Great Western Forum. He has written about basketball, soccer, fantasy sports, MMA, and even pro wrestling over the course of his career, but the spectacle that is the Lakers is his true passion. He made the leap into podcasting for Lakers Nation and provides voice-over analysis for our YouTube channel. With a who's who of stars gracing the Lakers lineup over the years, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, and many others, the Lakers always provide plenty to talk about. When he isn't writing or recording, Trevor can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or on the sidelines for one of the youth teams he coaches. Outside of the Lakers, Trevor is a supporter of the LA Galaxy, US Soccer, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Contact: trevor@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?