Whether he was in Cleveland or in Miami, LeBron James knows what it’s like to have to go against Rajon Rondo in the postseason. He’s especially happy that he can enjoy that play of Rondo as a teammate rather than having to prepare for him as a foe.
Rondo’s play over the last two games, both Lakers wins, has been a revelation for Lakers fans who have long doubted the power of Rondo to elevate his game when it matters most. He has led the Lakers in assists in both games, allowing LeBron James to play more like a playmaking wing than as the team’s lone creator. Rondo has also outplayed Houston’s All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook. LeBron is just happy to be benefitting from Rondo in his playoff career, for a change, according to SB Nation’s Christian Rivas.
“Hey listen, whatever makes ‘Do continue to play like he’s playing, then I don’t buy into it either,” James said. “But he’s been exceptional these last two games. Obviously that first game, he hadn’t played in a while so it was a fell out game for him just like the rest of us, but these last few games are everything that we imagine (him) being in the postseason.
“And for me, being in the playoffs and being on the opposing side of him for so many years, I knew what he was up, especially in the postseason … To now be on the same side as him … It’s perfect.”
The Lakers have kept plenty of size on the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as Kyle Kuzma and some sparing usage of JaVale McGee. But the addition of Rondo has given the Lakers much more creative freedom and has allowed them to thrive against an opponent that requires constantly thinking on your feet.
