Topic: We wonder if Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo should be the Los Angeles Lakers’ top target in free agency this summer.
Context: The Los Angeles Lakers have not been a good team so far this season, but the team is equipped with about $30 million in cap space next summer for what should be an excellent free agency class.
Some big names and talented players will be available in the summer including guys like Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard, but one name that has been consistently linked to the Lakers is Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo.
The Lakers have gotten inconsistent play at the point guard position this season, and Rondo would be a massive upgrade. With Jeremy Lin being a free agent and Rondo being an unrestricted free agent, the move makes sense on both ends.
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Rondo is a point guard with championship experience who makes up for his lack of a consistent jumper with elite level passing, rebounding, and penetration ability. He is also good friends with Kobe Bryant as the two have similar mental makeups leading to a mutual respect.
However, the Lakers do have many other holes on the roster. A true small forward who can be a consistent offensive threat and lockdown defender is sorely needed, as is a center who can dominate on the block and protect the rim. Would the Lakers be better off focusing on the point guard position or somewhere else?
Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask our passionate followers if Rajon Rondo should be the Lakers top target in free agency next summer. These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH nah they should look at goran dragic and marc gasol first #LNDebate
— Cesar (@cesar__jets) December 6, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Nope..com/org/net #LNDebate
— Jason Dieguez (@jaydieguez) December 6, 2014
@TheeCoreyH of course. You need that PG in the west, that facilitates an wants to win. Plus nabbing him from Boston would be cool #LNDebate
— Hector (@UNENOhector) December 6, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation can't shoot, injury prone, will command max nope. #LNDebate
— SGVL (@SGVL1) December 6, 2014
@TheeCoreyH the lakers have scorers. we don't have someone to control offense. Rondo is the best for that. Lin is not true PG #LNDebate
— Zach Quigg (@QuazChigg) December 6, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation yes. He isn't the foundational type talent we need but we need to build a talent base b4 adding that superstar.
— Alvin Alvarez (@KSFantastic) December 6, 2014
#LNDebate I'm sorry I can't watch Jeremy Lin running the point for another season, the Lakers have to target Rondo @LakersNation @TheeCoreyH
— Ramneet Baidwan (@Ramneet24) December 6, 2014
@TheeCoreyH nah they should look at goran dragic and marc gasol first #LNDebate
— Cesar (@cesar__jets) December 6, 2014
The fans were basically split down the middle on this topic as many believe the Lakers should absolutely go after Rondo first and foremost while others feel that the team would be better off targeting a big like Marc Gasol first.
Personally, I’m torn on this subject, but if I had to make a choice I would lean towards not targeting Rondo first. This has nothing to do with what Rondo could bring to this team, because I think he would be an excellent addition, I just have my eyes on other guys who could be great Lakers for longer.
I do not believe Gasol or Aldridge would leave their respective situations to come to the Lakers, but if the Lakers do feel like they should go with a big man, DeAndre Jordan would be an excellent choice in my opinion as he is a great rim protector and rebounder and is gettable in my opinion.
Fans are also calling for the Lakers to get Goran Dragic who would also be an excellent addition, but I also don’t see him leaving Phoenix, especially with his brother on the team. Instead, the point guard I would like to see the Lakers get is Reggie Jackson.
Jackson has posted excellent numbers in a backup role with the Thunder, and has thrived when given the opportunity to start. He has been vocal about his desire to be a starting point guard and he has the mindset to learn from Kobe, but not be scared and back down from him. Those are the kind of guys the Lakers need on this team.
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